Frequently Asked Questions

How does Social Security Administration get notified of death?

When a death occurs, the funeral home will file the death certificate. If the death occurred in New Jersey, they will use the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS).

EDRS features robust data exchange and integration capabilities with government agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA). Through seamless interfaces with the SSA, the EDRS ensures the validation of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and promptly notifies the agency by sending a file that confirms the fact of death.

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony or rite held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead. A funeral serves as a ritual for life passage. All cultures have funerals in some form or another.

What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral acts as the formal declaration of a death. It provides for the disposition of the body with or without rites and ceremonies. It is a testament to a life lived. A funeral may provide an opportunity for friends and community members to aid and comfort the survivors who are in mourning. A funeral thus helps meet the spiritual and emotional needs of the survivors and also serves the community as a whole.

What funeral home do I go to?
Higgins "Home for Funerals" is proud of the services we provide. Consult people we have served. If you need price information, please call and an itemized price list is available upon request.

Someone died far away. Who do I call?
Call us. Higgins "Home for Funerals" handles funerals anywhere in the world.

What do I need to know when I first call?
You need to know:

  • the full name of the deceased
  • where the deceased is located
  • who pronounced the deceased and who is the attending physician
  • who is the next of kin
  • will that person be making the arrangements
  • the basic components of the funeral and where the internment, entombment, or cremation will take place



What do I need for the arrangement?
You will need: the vital statistics of the deceased (parents, survivors, birth date, military service); cemetery documents, and obituary information.

What benefits may be available?
We accept insurance assignment and our staff is well-versed in government benefits, including Social Security and veteran's benefits.

Are funerals expensive?
A funeral should not only meet the spiritual needs of the survivors, but also the economic needs. The cost is the direct result of three main charges: the use of the funeral home's staff and facilities, the merchandise selected, and the charges of outside parties or cash disbursements. Families should spend what they can afford only for merchandise and services meaningful to them.

Should we have a viewing?
A viewing may help to actualize the realization of the loss and confirm the reality of the death. However, there may be circumstances in which it may not be advisable. Our staff can help you decide what is right for your situation.

Who is the funeral director?
He or she may be a person much like you and may be your neighbor, friend or relative. Our funeral directors are caregivers, advisors, administrators, professionals who are licensed and legally required to possess professional qualifications. They carry out administrative and logistical tasks required by law, custom or accepted practice.

Is embalming required?
Embalming is not required by law. However, it is often necessary for certain funeral arrangements such as an open casket viewing.

Is there a right or best way to have a funeral?
No, each funeral is unique as befits the fact that each life is unique. Religious and ethnic groups have varying customs designed to satisfy their individual needs. Our staff will help you to arrange the service best suited for you and your family.