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Death Certificates
The Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. orders certified copies of the death certificates from the local registrar. The copies that are ordered during the arrangement conference are given to the family following the funeral service. The cost of each copy is six dollars. Additional copies may be ordered through the funeral home; please call for details. At the end of each month, the original death certificate is sent to Vital Records in New Castle, PA, where it is kept on file. If additional copies are needed after the end of the month, it can sometimes take two to three weeks to receive them from New Castle, and the cost increases to nine dollars each. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining additional copies at any time in the future. You may either call the funeral home, or e-mail your request, and we will order the certificates for you.

Many organizations require certified copies of death certificates in order for survivors to receive benefits, and do not accept photocopies.

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Social Security Benefits
The funeral home takes care of informing the Social Security Administration of a death. You are required to apply for the benefit yourself, and we will give you the necessary information to do so. Complete information regarding Social Security death benefits can be found at their website, http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/deathbenefits.htm.

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Veteran's Benefits
Our staff and Veteran's Affairs Office can help you with questions regarding Death Benefits, the flag, headstones and grave markers, and survivor and dependent's benefits. In order to secure benefits for an honorably discharged veteran, we must be provided with the veteran's discharge papers, referred to as "DD-214". Without this, we are not permitted to provide any benefit, including the flag. If you are unable to locate this document, we can check at the Lancaster County Courthouse if the person was a long-time resident of the county, or with the VA Offices in Philadelphia. For more detailed information on Veteran's Benefits, click here.

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Memorial Contributions
For a list of organizations, click here. If you know of an organization you would like us to include on this list, please contact us.

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Things to Do Following the Funeral

1. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate.

2. Write and send acknowledgment cards. Within 7 to 10 days after the funeral you should acknowledge those who extended special help, or sent flowers, or made contributions to designated charities. While you may also wish to acknowledge letters of sympathy, it is not necessary to answer notes or cards. We can offer you a selection of acknowledgment cards, or you may want to use your personal stationary. It is also proper to acknowledge all that may have done special favors, the pallbearers and others.

3. Be prepared to receive a number of letters and phone calls for the deceased, which may continue for some time after death. Do not let these upset you, remembering that these people are making an unintentional mistake.

4. Meet with attorney to commence probate proceeding. Provide the attorney with a copy of the will and certified copy of death certificate. If a properly prepared will exists, the executor named is authorized to make the necessary distributions. This can only be done after the will has been submitted for probate, and letters testamentary are received from your court. If there is no will, an appointed administrator will distribute all property according to your local laws. If there should be any questions regarding estates, please consult your attorney.

6. Transfer vehicle title

7. Change auto insurance

8. Return PA Driver's License

12. A monument or marker should be installed at the cemetery as soon as time permits. Many different styles are available, and it is wise to take your time in making your selection. It is a good decision to check with the cemetery official to find out if there are any restrictions as to size or material of the monument. Your funeral director or monument salesperson will be glad to answer your questions in this regard.

Fingerprint Impression Keepsakes...A special way to remember..

Thumbies® are uniquely personal keepsakes, meticulously fashioned in precious metals from a fingerprint of your loved one. Charms are available in both yellow and white gold and sterling silver, and can be engraved as well. For infants and young children whose fingerprints are very fine, the entire handprint or footprint is used. To request a Thumbies® brochure, click here. If you have questions and would like to speak with someone, please call any one of our funeral homes or feel free to stop by to see samples.

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