General Information
NO FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE DAY OF SERVICE
It is an honor to assist you in your time of sorrow. In order to serve you better, it is our policy and request that payment of all charges be paid in full 48 hours (2 days) prior to the funeral service. When using an assignable insurance policy as payment, a one time insurance processing fee of $200.00 (Two Hundred Dollars) will be included on your contract as a Cash Advance Item. Serenity Mortuary uses the services of an insurance processing company to expedite insurance claims and make funds available prior to services being rendered.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
We accept cash, money orders, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and all verifiable pre-need funeral plans. PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF ANY SCHEDULED SERVICE. NO EXCEPTIONS
FUNERAL PURCHASES:
Serenity will provide each family with a general price list prior to the arrangement conference. Serenity will also provide a copy of the Funeral Purchase Agreement upon the conclusion of the arrangement conference. The person(s) responsible for payment will be required to sign a copy of the completed purchase agreement. PAYMENT OF ALL CHARGES MUST BE SECURED FOR SERVICES TO BE RENDERED. NO EXCEPTIONS
It is the policy of Serenity Mortuary that all remains are to be embalmed if there is to be a Public Viewing or Ceremony.
VETERANS BURIAL BENEFITS:
VA Benefits are to be applied for by the claimant or person authorizing services. It will be the responsibility of the claimant to furnish the veteran’s documents to the VA. For your convenience, the Veterans Administration Office is located at 6900 Almeda, Houston, Texas, 77030. To apply or receive information please call 800-827-1000. Upon receipt of the proper documentation, Honorable Discharge/ DD214, the staff of Serenity will assist the claimant in obtaining the U.S. flag for burial. Assistance can also be provided when ordering VA Markers. Certain cemeteries require an installation fee.
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS:
A one time payment of $255.00 can be paid to a spouse, child or children eligible to receive social security benefits. Survivor benefits can also be applied for and awarded to eligible family members. For information, please call your Social Security Office at 800-772-1213.
As a courtesy, your funeral director will report the death of your loved one to the Social Security office.
JEWELRY AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Serenity Mortuary, Inc. will not be responsible or held liable for any jewelry or personal items of the decedent. NO EXCEPTIONS.
DEATH CERTIFICATE INFORMATION:
Serenity will file the completed death certificate with the appropriate authority and obtain the number of certified copies requested during the arrangement conference. Serenity does not issue death certificates and cannot guarantee when they will be ready. However, under normal circumstances, approximately two weeks is needed to complete the process to obtain Certified Certificates of death from The Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics. Autopsy and Pending cases may require additional processing time.
Death Certificates may be needed for the following:
1. Each Insurance Company
2. Stocks & Bonds
3. Probate Court
4. Each County/Land Ownership
5. Each bank savings account
6. Each unpaid loan
7. All bank checking accounts
8. Each Auto or Trailer Title
9. Internal Revenue Service
10. Company Retirement
11. VA Benefits
12. Social Security (Dependents)
13. Future Records
14. TX Dept. of Banking (Pre-need) https://www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov/