Evermore For All

ANOTHER FEDERAL REPORT — Today, the Federal Trade Commission released a report detailing the consumer experience when calling funeral homes to price shop. Many consumers do not realize that prices can vary radically among funeral providers. NPR and The Marshall Project did an expose in 2017, demonstrating that simply walking across the street could save a consumer $1,895 (see that piece here: https://lnkd.in/er7XVFi8). According to the report, "When the Commission enacted the Funeral Rule in 1982, the Commission stated that, “in many instances, at least where death has not been anticipated, all efforts to get price information must occur in an extremely short time span” and that “the gathering of price information by telephone may often constitute the only practical way in which price information may be obtained before a funeral provider is selected. The record reveals, however, that funeral providers often fail to provide price information over the telephone when asked.” Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal published an article detailing the 500+ funeral homes that violated the aforementioned Funeral Rule (see that article here: https://lnkd.in/ePtW6JC6). The Wall Street Journal's second article focused on how consumers can plan price shop now in order to pay for their services now, thus not burdening their families later. 💥 Spoiler alert: the WSJ says, "Plan Your Funeral Now, Just Don't Pay For It" (see article here: https://lnkd.in/eQNtqbCF). According to federal law, IT IS YOUR RIGHT: 1) To receive accurate pricing information from funeral providers 2) To receive an itemized price list for EACH good or service 3) To not purchase bundled goods and services. For more information on your rights and the Funeral Rule, check out the Funeral Consumers Alliance and the National Home Funeral Alliance. Learn more about the new FTC report here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eijrgdgk #YourRights #Evermore #Bereavement

On Veteran's Day, consider honoring our nation's service members by signing Evermore For All's petition to renew bereavement leave for the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2022, the National Defense Authorization Act directed the U.S. military to offer paid bereavement leave to servicemembers who endure the profound loss of a spouse or child. It was a milestone in advancing bereavement leave for our nation. Recognizing the immense personal sacrifice they make for our country, this benefit provides our military personnel the necessary time to return home and be with their families during an incredibly stressful time. However, this directive is set to expire in March 2025, and without renewal, our servicemembers may once again not be able to return home following the death of a child or spouse. We are urging US Congress to renew this critical bereavement leave for all men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. By supporting our petition, you stand with us in honoring the families of our service members and ensuring they receive the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve during times of loss. Sign this petition to join our movement and stay informed about further actions we can take together to protect and uphold the well-being of our military families. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTEDbJqk

Today, $15B in federal funds is not being conferred to bereaved children and families. Help close that gap! According to the Social Security Administration, "98 out of 100 children in this country could get Social Security if a working parent dies. In some cases, the child’s surviving parent is eligible for benefits as well." If you know a parentally bereaved child under the age of 18, consider passing along this information to their guardians. Social Security Administration blog about "Child Survivors" benefits: 👉 https://lnkd.in/d2RSaTzE If you want to learn more about how to apply, see Evermore's fact sheet here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/dXjvKEyX #Bereavement #Evermore #BereavedChildren https://lnkd.in/dkBmEe7x