Documentation FAQs

In order to carry out a burial or cremation, there are some forms that require a signature from the deceased’s Next of Kin or Executor.

Statement of Death

This document contains information about the deceased such as SIN, date and place of birth, parent information, etc. It is required by the government in order to register the death and contains information used by Statistics Canada. This document requires your signature, or if you sign a Letter of Direction, a funeral director can sign on your behalf.

Cremation Application Form

This document, like the Statement of Death, contains information about the deceased and is required by the crematorium. It is important to read through and understand the important information that is provided about cremation. This form requires your signature for permission to cremate, or if you sign a Letter of Direction, a funeral director can sign on your behalf.

Cemetery Information Sheet

If you are arranging a burial, you may be required to complete a Cemetery Information Sheet. This form asks for information about the deceased, the owner of the plot, and about any existing burials.

Contract

The contract itemizes all the services that will be performed and their costs. It also lists any merchandise that you have purchased as well as disbursements. It is imperative that you and the funeral director sign this document because without it, we cannot serve your family. Both the family and the funeral home require a contract signed by all parties.

Letter of Direction

Basic Funerals is unique in that we offer our families the option of working with us over the phone or via email throughout the entire funeral arrangement process. To do this, we require your signature on a Letter of Direction, a form that authorizes the funeral director to sign documents on your behalf. By signing the Letter of Direction, you allow us to take care of all the documentation, making the process as easy as possible for you.

Proof of Death Certificate

A Proof of Death Certificate is provided by the Funeral Home and is required for settling estates. 10 Proof of Death Certificates seem to be enought o settle the average estate. 

We are often asked to provide the cause of death to the family and unfortunately we cannot provide this information. When a death takes place, the attending physician provides a Medical Certificate of Death. Because this form is a medical document, it is considered confidential. Should you wish to obtain a copy of the medical certificate, you can submit a request through the government.

If the death occurs or is registered outside of Ontario, your funeral director will be able to explain the procedure required for applying for certified copies of the medical certificate. Please be advised that it often takes up to 12 weeks, depending on which government you are applying to.

Basic Funerals believes that everyone has the right to a dignified funeral. Municipalities across Ontario offer coverage for funeral services on behalf of residents whose estates cannot otherwise cover the cost. Contact us today for more information on how to begin the application process.

Please note: When a municipality pays for funeral expenses, they receive the Proof of Death Certificates and begin their process of recouping losses from the deceased’s accounts and/or the CPP Death Benefits. When they are satisfied, they will release the certificates to the family. They typically require a written request for certificates, and their process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The funeral home will be unable to provide Proof of Death Certificates to anyone without the municipality’s permission.

Ontario Works & Ontario Disability Support Program

What They Are

Ontario Works is a social assistance program, designed to help individuals in financial need. The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a social assistance program providing financial support and services to individuals with disabilities. Regarding funeral arrangements, Ontario Works or ODSP may provide assistance or coverage for funeral expenses for eligible individuals who cannot afford them. This assistance typically covers basic funeral costs, such as burial or cremation, as well as related expenses like transportation and burial plot. Eligibility criteria and coverage vary, so individuals should inquire directly with their municipal office for specific details and assistance.

What It Covers

• Transfer of body from place of death to funeral home
• Purchase of burial plot. If the deceased owns a plot, Ontario Works will assist with the fees associated with opening and closing.
• Cremation including scattering or burial of cremated remains

What You Need To Know

• Ontario Works must approve services prior to signing a contract with funeral home, crematorium, or cemetery
• Ontario Works entitled to any funeral funds available in the estate
• The deceased does not have to have been a recipient of Ontario Works during life to benefit from the services after the death has occurred

How To Apply

• For individuals who were recipients of Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Plan (ODSP), Basic Funerals may be able to complete the application on their behalf, depending on the region's policies
• For individuals who were not recipients of Ontario Works or ODSP, our team of funeral professionals can direct you to the correct channels to begin the application process

CPP Death and Survivor Benefits

The Canadian Pension Plan 

What It Is

The Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) provides survivors with 2 types of support. The first is a one-time payment to the estate on behalf of the deceased. The second is a monthly pension to a surviving spouse and dependent children.

What It Covers

• Death Benefit – A one-time payment of $2,500 is paid to the estate
• Survivor’s Pension and Child(ren)’s Benefit – A monthly pension paid to the survivors of the deceased
• Death Benefits 
• Survivor’s Pension 

What You Need To Know

• Failure to apply for CPP benefits within a year of the death will result in forfeiture of benefits
• Additional funds (up to $177.33) may be available to dependents with children 18 years of age or younger who are enrolled in a full-time academic programme

How To Apply

• Complete the Application for a CPP Death Benefit and Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefit (provided by Basic Funerals)
• Include certified true copies of the required documentation
• Mail to the address provided on the form