SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that you have many questions. We have put together some answers we hope you will find helpful.

What is Cremation of Southern Maine?
Cremation of Southern Maine is a division of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes in Portland and South Portland, Maine.

We operate under the same strict standards of Conroy-Tully Walker, however, we reduce our prices by offering online arrangements exclusively for Direct Cremation services. 

Are all cremation providers the same?
Not all cremation providers are the same. Cremation of Southern Maine differs from the others because we provide a higher level of care for the deceased. Some of the things that set us apart from the rest are as follows:
  1. We have never cremated the wrong body, or misidentified someone. Our strict identification policies and procedures will prevent us from ever making this mistake.
  2. We never perform "bulk" transfers of the deceased. When only pick up one deceased at a time from the place of death, and bring him/her directly to Conroy-Tully Walker in Portland. We never make additional stops at other hospitals or facilities to make more transfers. Furthermore, we never stack other decedents on top of your loved one to transfer to the crematory. Your loved one is the only person we take to the crematory, ensuring he/she is the only one cremated.
  3. We are owned and operated by a Licensed Funeral Director. In Portland specifically, there are multiple firms owned by individuals or corporations who aren't qualified to make cremation arrangements.
  4. Family Owned and Operated
What do I do when a death occurs?
Call Cremation of Southern Maine immediately at (207) 907-7318. We will help walk you through all the steps from when we will arrive, how to fill out the forms, as well as what to expect in the coming days.

After a transfer has been performed, and your loved one is in our care, your family will be directed to visit the website and click Get Started at the top of the page. You will be walked through the process of making selections, and choosing the types of services that best fits your families needs. Once that information is submitted, a Licensed Funeral Director will be sending you all the required documentation and questions to the email you provided. We will walk you through the entire process from the comfort of your own home.  

When I call, will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good-bye, that’s perfectly acceptable. Your funeral director will come when your time is right.

What are the differences between Cremation of Southern Maine and Conroy-Tully Walker?
While Cremation of Southern Maine is owned and operated by the owners of Conroy-Tully Walker, it does provide a very different service, while offering the same high level of integrity and respect. In short, Cremation of Southern Maine offers limited, basic cremation services. Conroy-Tully Walker cremations offer a full service, all inclusive cremation.

Cremation of Southern Maine prices start at $1,195 and includes limited services:
  • Online Arrangements only
  • Single decedent transfer from place of death 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (additional staff required necessitates an additional charge)
  • Secure care of remains at the Conroy-Tully Walker Care Center prior to cremation
  • Single decedent transfer of remains to Brooklawn Crematory
  • Filing death certificates
  • Cremated Remains are picked up b yfamily (M-F 9AM-4PM) from Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home in Portland
  • Staff is available for arrangement assistance only M-F from 9AM-4PM
  • Limited urn options
Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation starts at $2,495 and includes everything in the Cremation of Southern Maine package PLUS:
  • In person arrangements and consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at any location you choose
  • Personal attention of Licensed Funeral Directors and support staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • No additional charge if 2 staff members are needed for transfer of remains (i.e. if decedent is at home)
  • Dressing your loved one in his or her own clothing
  • Private family viewing prior to cremation at any CTW location
  • Several urn or jewelry options
  • Cremated remains picked up or delivered to you at a time and place convenient to you
  • Professional planning of ceremonies or burial
  • Professional obituary composition and submission to whichever newspaper you choose (newspaper charges are separate)
  • The option of family attended procession to crematory and witness of cremation
  • Professional assistance before, during and after the cremation
  • The option to Pre-Plan the cremation
  • Assistance with Veterans Administration applications (if applicable)
  • Assistance with Life Insurance Claim Forms (if applicable)
  • Removal of Pacemaker or any other radioactive device prior to cremation
  • Support Services of our Aftercare Coordinator
  • Acknowledgement and participation in our Annual Remembrance Services
  • Assistance with procuring death benefits
  • Helpful resources to assist you with finalizing estates and probate
Why have a public viewing?
Viewing is a part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity is voluntary.

What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."

Why are funerals so expensive?
When compared to other major life events like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.

Additionally, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details. Funeral directors look upon their profession as a service, but it is also a business. Like any business, funeral homes must make a profit to exist.

Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I choose cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematory chapel.

What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial; retained by a family member, usually in an urn; scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.)

Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision.

What is memorialization for a cremation?
You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

Can we scatter the cremated remains?
If you wish to have your ashes scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes to be scattered ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the cremation ashes scattering ceremony, as they might want to let your funeral professional assist in the scattering ceremony. Funeral directors can also be very helpful in creating a meaningful and personal ash scattering ceremony that they will customize to fit your families specific desires. The services can be as formal or informal as you like. Scattering services can also be public or private. Again, it is advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.

If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?
Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

What do I need to know about income tax when I lose a spouse?
Uncertainty about income tax issues can add to the stress experienced from the death of a spouse. You should meet with your family attorney and/or tax advisor as soon as possible to review your particular tax and estate circumstances. Bring a detailed list of your questions to the meeting. If you do not have an attorney or tax advisor, call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 for answers to specific tax questions.

Is there financial help if I need it?
There are a number of options available, including:
  • Determine if the deceased person qualifies for any entitlements. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with your State Fund. Many people are entitled to get financial assistance with their funeral costs from these agencies if they qualify.
  • Review all insurance policies the deceased person has, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral related costs.
  • Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area.
  • Talk to your funeral director about cremation options - these can be much less expensive depending on your choices.
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