In 1982, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandated Funeral Industry Practices, Part 453 of the Code of Federal Regulations, to protect consumer interests. This commonly is referred to as the "Funeral Rule." The FTC also has developed consumer guidelines so you can know your rights.
The Georgia Cemetery and Funeral Services Act of 2000 requires the registration of Merchandise Dealers, Perpetual Care Cemeteries, Perpetual Care/Preneed, Preneed Funeral Homes, and Preneed Merchandise Dealers. It also requires additional reporting requirements.
A Funeral Assignment is an agreement that is signed by a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. The beneficiary assigns all or a portion of the life insurance benefits at the Funeral Home which allows payment for funeral expenses to be made directly to the funeral home. Yes, NYL GBS does accept Funeral Assignments.
Georgia. State Resources: The State of Georgia does not directly provide for funeral or burial assistance. Individual counties are responsible for providing help to those how are indigent or are unable to provide for the interment of a decedent.
To submit a complaint regarding an unfair or deceptive business practice by a funeral services provider, contact the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by going to consumer.ga or calling 404-651-8600.
Generally, the death certificate process takes several weeks to complete. However, some cases require more investigation and additional testing, which can delay the process significantly. Additional testing includes histology, toxicology and reviewing medical records.
To obtain assistance with an indigent or pauper's burial or cremation, contact the Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) for the county where the deceased resided and to be directed to the Indigent Burial Department.