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Q: How does The Cremation Society of Georgia work?
A: The Cremation Society is notified immediately at the time of death. Then the member's body is transported to the Society's crematory where it is held until proper authorization is secured. The cremation permit is then completed, and the body is cremated.
Q: Does the body have to be embalmed?
A: No. With the Cremation Society of Georgia's modern facilities the body does not have to be embalmed.
Q: What happens to the ashes after cremation?
A: Your cremated remains (ashes) will be handled according to your written instructions. They may be picked up by your survivors to do with as they wish or will be delivered or mailed for a fee.
Q: In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?
A: The cremated remains are placed in a cardboard container at no charge to you. We have permanent urns available as inexpensive as $12.00.
Q: At the time of death, what is the cost for the cremation service?
A: The cost of the complete cremation service which includes removal of the body from the place of death, cremation, filing of the necessary papers and cardboard container is presently $1095 for members. This is payable at the time services are rendered. The charge to non-members, whom we also serve, is more.
Q: Is your price of $1095 for complete cremation service good for the entire state of Georgia?
A: Yes. However, there is an additional transportation charge outside of the metropolitan area. (Presently $2.00 per mile one way from our office.)
Q: May I pre-pay the cremation cost of $1095?
A: Yes. And you will receive a lifetime guarantee that this is all you will ever pay for the cremation service. 100% of the funds are placed in a separate trust account in a federal insured bank. The account is between the Society and yourself. In accordance with Georgia law, this money is considered your asset and you will receive a 1099 interest statement by January 31 of each year. If you file income taxes you will be required to pay the tax on the interest earned. At the time of death, the Society retains the principal plus interest in consideration for your lifetime guarantee, or funded by life insurance.
Q: Is this trust fund refundable?
A: In accordance with Georgia State Law, all funds placed in funeral trust accounts, whether with any funeral home or the Cremation Society, are 100% refundable plus the interest that has accrued on that account.
Q: Do Social Security and Veterans' benefits apply to the Cremation Society services?
A: Yes. There are certain decedents whose heirs may be eligible for social security benefits or veterans benefits. Our counselors are available to explain the regulations pertaining to eligibility for these death benefits.
Q: What other assistance do you offer my survivors after death?
A: A Cremation Society counselor will help your survivors arrange a Memorial Service, write an obituary, prepare memorial folders, obtain certified copies of the death certificate, arrange cemetery services, select a permanent memorial urn, notify the Social Security office and file for the Veteran's Benefits.
Q: What happens if the death occurs while on vacation out of the state of Georgia?
A: The Cremation Society will assist your survivors in making all of the arrangements in the state in which you die. This is at no charge to your survivors.
Q: May I change my instructions in the future?
A: Yes. You may change any instructions you wish by just contacting us.
Q: Is the modern trend toward cremation?
A: Yes. In some parts of the country cremation is being utilized as a means of disposition for more than a third of all deaths. Of course, cremation is as old as man himself, having been practiced for centuries in other cultures. Our modern approach is simply a reflection of our growing concern for the environment, combined with an appreciation of the simplicity and dignity of the cremation rite.
Q: Is the Cremation Society licensed by the State of Georgia?
A: Yes. The Cremation Society has a "Funeral Establishment Permit". This is the same permit used to license every mortuary in the State of Georgia. The society is also staffed by Georgia Licensed Morticians.
Q: How do I join the Cremation Society of Georgia?
A: Fill out the statistical information form and mail it to our office with a one-time registration fee of $40 for a single membership or $50 for married couples. This fee defrays the cost of setting up and maintaining your records. It is not refundable nor an offset to final service costs. We will register you and send you a wallet-sized membership card and a certificate of registration. Members may call or write us regarding any related questions. A troublesome burden will be removed. You will be doing a very thoughtful thing.
Q: If this is not the type of service I want, can the Cremation Society of Georgia be of any assistance?
A: Yes. Our counselors have information regarding traditional funeral services with a rental casket followed by cremation, traditional funeral services followed by earth burial and information on caskets and burial vaults.
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