A surviving family may be entitled to additional benefits depending upon the circumstances of the deceased and the death itself.

In order to ensure that all eligible benefits are provided, it's best to review all possibilities:

They include, but are not limited to:

• Accidental benefits -- if the deceased had an accidental death benefit as part of their Life Insurance policy, then benefits may be available if the death was deemed an accident


• Workers' compensation -- if the deceased had been receiving workers' compensation, or if the death was due to a work-related injury or illness, benefits may be available; check with a previous employer for more information


• State disability benefits -- if the state was providing disability benefits, contact the applicable state agency


• Civil service benefits -- if the deceased was an employee of a federal government agency, contact the agency


• Unions -- if the deceased was part of a union (teacher, trade, credit, etc)


• Health insurance -- some policies may reimburse funeral expenses


• Public assistance -- contact a local state or county social services agency for more information