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Why and When are Death Certificates Necessary?

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death certificate may not be the document anyone wants to think about but does have an essential purpose. There are several reasons why you may need to obtain a death certificate, typically to show proof of death for legal purposes. It can be reasonably easy for an immediate family member to get a copy of a death certificate.

Claiming Life Insurance – If you are the named beneficiary of a life insurance policy, no matter what your relationship to the deceased. You will need to produce a government-issued copy of the death certificate to claim those benefits. The process for claiming life insurance can be slow and painful—getting a copy of the death certificate as quickly as possible can help speed things along.

Pensions – If your spouse passes away, you may be entitled to benefits from their pension. However, you will have to provide various items to the company that issues it as proof of the death and your relationship to the deceased person. One of the most important documents you will need is the death certificate.

Settling Estates – When a loved one dies, settling their estate can be a very long and challenging process. You may need multiple copies of the death certificate to claim investments, access bank accounts, and property holdings. The more complex the estate, the more copies of the death certificate will be required.

Medicaid Benefits – In some cases, a spouse or child of an individual who has passed away will be able to claim Medicaid benefits that the deceased was eligible to receive.

The U.S. Government is very particular about whom they will transfer these benefits—and with good reason. A death certificate and proof of your relationship to the deceased person may be necessary to claim these valuable benefits.

Future Marriages – Some states may require a widow or widower who wants to remarry must provide a death certificate that their former partner has passed away. The document will help resolve any doubt that the potential bride or groom is unable to remarry.

As you can see, a death certificate comes in handy more often than you may first think. Ordering an initial set of death certificate copies is usually handled by the cremation company or funeral home as part of its services. Be sure to order additional copies, so you have them on hand.

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