Social Security and Probate

 Our Aftercare Assistance Program

Vivian Odell and Robin Price are located at our North Church Street Business Office and are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM to assist with death certificates, life insurance claims, Social Security, and to explain the Probate process. An appointment for your convenience is recommended and appreciated.

Death Certificates

Mrs. Price applies for the death certificates for the family and contacts the family when the certificates are received. The normal waiting period for receipt of death certificates is seven to ten (7-10) days. Pending Certificates, those waiting for a final determination from the Coroner's Office regarding the Manner of Death, can take an average of three (3) months or more to be finalized. Probate Court, Social Security, and some creditors will accept certified pending certificates. Life insurance companies require that the certificate have a final finding regarding the manner of death prior to payment of proceeds.

Life Insurance

Claim forms for a number of life insurance companies are available at the Mortuary to expedite the filing process. Some companies insist that the claims forms be mailed to the Beneficiary on record. Our staff is happy to assist your family in the completion and filing of these forms.

Should the family so desire, most insurance companies accept assignments which instruct the Insurance Company to pay the Mortuary for the service and then send the balance (if any) to the Beneficiary. Mrs. Odell and Mrs. Price can also assist in this regard.

Assistance can also be provided in advance of need or for surviving spouses when changing the beneficiary on life insurance policies.

Social Security

The Mortuary notifies Social Security of the death by way of an official governmental form. Mrs. Odell or Mrs. Price can assist the family in determining if further benefits are due surviving spouses and/or totally dependent children. The local Social Security Office can then be contacted by Mrs. Odell or Mrs. Price to set up telephone or in-office interviews.

Click here to visit the Social Security Administration website


Probate Court

Guidance can be provided on the Probate process which is required when there is 1) a will and/or the assets are more than $10,000 or 2) if there is a bank account that no one can gain assess to.

Spartanburg Probate:
Department Head - Judge Ponda Caldwell
1-864-596-2556

Click here to visit the Spartanburg County Government site