Links & Resources
Below are links to other sites which may have information you can use. Clicking on a blue link will take you to that website, and you will leave this site. Most agencies will require some or all of the documents listed, and other documents may be required. Be sure to ask when you call for information or for an appointment.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED:
- Death certificate (original)
- Deceased's Social Security card
- DD-214 (if prior military)
- Marriage certificate (copy is accepted)
- Deceased's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of termination of previous marriages (both parties)
- Minor children's birth certificates or proof of disabled child under 18
- Record of income for preceding years (usually tax returns)
- Proof of VA disability benefits or military retirement pay received
- Funeral receipts
NOTES: For the ladies, if you were married and divorced before, be prepared to provide proof of prior marriage(s) and divorce(s). Some agencies require this to track not only marital status but your name changes from maiden to married, divorced, remarried, with no gaps.
Florida issues two forms of the death certificate: the long form (shows cause of death) and the short form (no cause of death shown). Unless you are claiming insurance or something where cause of death may be a factor, most places will accept the short form death certificate.
If you and your partner are not legally married, your rights and obligations may be restricted and these may fall to your partner's next of kin. If in doubt about who should or can do what, you may want to consult a family law attorney.
Social Security Administration
National Toll-Free Number 1-800-772-1213
Social Security Webpage (Home Page)
Social Security (Survivor Benefits Page)
Ocala Social Security Office (877) 626-9911
933 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 (appointment required)
Here's a helpful link about your survivor benefits: click here.
Defense Finance Accounting Services (DFAS)
For military retirees who were receiving retirement benefits at the time of death.
DFAS (Report a Death Page)
Customer Service: 800-321-1080
Survivor Benefit Program (SBP)
For military retiress who opted for this program when they retired. Some benefits are offset with VA benefits. Please call VA to discuss these options, or click here for more information: SBP & VA
City & County
Marion County Tax Appraiser
501 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 368-8300 Fax: (352) 368-8336
Marion County Tax Collector
Renew drivers license or car tags, pay property taxes online.
503 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471
Phone: (352) 368-8200
Bereavement Counseling
Monarch Center for Hope & Healing
2895 SE 62nd Street, Ocala, FL 34480Phone: (352) 873-7456
Grief Share Support Groups in Ocala
(Click above for a list of locations)
Medical Alert Systems
Information on choosing a medical alert system is availabe here:
Medical Alert. org
601 W. 1st AvenueSuite 1400Spokane WA 99201
(800) 354-1327
Veterans Administration (VA)
Veterans Administration
MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411 National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117
Headstones and markers: 800-697-6947
VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000
Veterans' Administration (Home Page)
Veterans' Administration (Survivor Benefits Page)
Veterans' Administration (Burial & Memorials Page)
Nearest VA cemetery:
Florida National Cemetery6502 SW 102nd AveBushnell, FL 33513-8914Main number: 352-793-7740
Sponsor a wreath at any National Cemetery through
Wreaths Across America PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623
(877) 385-9504
Marion County Veterans Services *Editor's note: this is the easiest and best way to apply for your VA benefits. Appointment required.
2730 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 671-8422
Veterans Memorial Park
2601 E Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 401-5346
Other Resources:
Because I'm inundated with requests to link to resources that are outside the scope of Suddenly One, I don't provide links to these websites. If you need information about a specific topic , contact me and I"ll help you find a resource.
Being one doesn't have to mean being alone.
Let's help each other.