THE CHOICE IS YOURS.....MADE WITH US IN TOTAL CONFIDENCE

At Scott & Barbieri, we understand that no one wants to arrange a funeral....unfortunately, at some point, you or someone you love may have to. That's why we think a little pre planning now can make a big difference. Preplanning takes care of all the decisions so your family won't have to. Let us help.

Whether you decide to preplan or not...we will explain all your options. We'll provide you with a detailed breakdown of costs. We'll show you ways to save money now and in the future, and provide you with choices that are dignified and sensible.

Our Pre-Planning Services include:

• Our pre-planning directors will meet with you to answer all your questions... at no cost or obligation... in your home or at one of our chapels.
• We will create a record of family information.
• We will help you create a record of your wishes and desires.
• You may select specific services and merchandise that fit within your budget.
• We will work together to find flexible funding options.

Our one step online pre-planning form was designed to allow you to begin the process of gathering information. It will guide you through some of the questions we may ask and help you to start collecting your thoughts about the kind of service you may want to consider. You may chose to complete this form and email it to us or call us so that we can go over the details together.

 
ADVANCED PLANNING FAQ

What is Key Plan?
Key Plan is a unique secured trust fund holding monies set aside for your burial expenses. This special trust is held in YOUR name and it is never co-mingeld with other monies. Your money is held in a LOCAL bank, at competitive rates, in a fully FDIC insured account.

By contrast, some other area funeral homes use a state wide, co-mingled or 'pooled' investment program. Scott & Barbieri Family Funeral Homes does not. With Key Plan, your money is in a separate account, in your name, and will never be 'invested' or at risk.

What are the steps to Advance Planning?

• You meet with a funeral director at your home, or any of our funeral homes to talk about your funeral preference.
• You may select the merchandise and services that you desire.
• You will receive a fully itemized breakdown of ALL your costs and a contract.
• You may issue a check, made payable to Key Plan, for some or all of those costs.
• Our funeral director forwards the contract and check to Key Plan for deposit.
• Our funeral home will maintain a complete record of all of your paperwork in a safe and secure manner.
• Key Plan will acknowledge your deposit in writing.
• Key Plan will provide you with an annual form 1099, which will reflect interest earned for tax purposes.
• At the completion of the funeral, payment is forwarded directly to the funeral home.

How is Key Plan administered?
Within ten days of the completion of your prearrangement, a Key Plan account is opened in your name. Your money is deposited when Key Plan receives your contract, social security number certification, and payment. Your account begins earning interest in a Key Plan FDIC insured account. Naturally, interest rates will fluctuate.

What if I am applying for or receiving SSI/Medicaid assistance?
Under New York and Federal law, assets placed in trust for the express purpose of payment of funeral expenses, such as Key Plan, are excluded from consideration for purposes of determining eligibility under one of these programs. There are certain additional requirements for eligibility under these programs, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss these details. Of specific importance is the fact that all prefunded funeral contracts, completed by applicants or recipients of Medicaid/SSI, must be irrevocable.

Key Plan offers irrevocable contracts that will satisify the requirements of New York State Law (Chapter 660).

Can I cancel my Key Plan account?
Yes, each revocable account in Key Plan is, at all times, totally refundable to the Purchaser with interest and without penalty. However, as noted above, irrevocable accounts which are established for applicants or recipients of, SSI/Medicaid and must be nonrefundable. This is required by NYS law.

What if I move? Can I use my pre arrangements to pay for a funeral somewhere else?
Yes, you may transfer your pre arrangement funds, both revocable and irrevocable, to another funeral service provider at any time.

Do you allow time payments?
Yes, you may pay in installments without any charges or administrative fees.

Why should I Pre-Arrange with a Scott & Barbieri Family Funeral Home?

• We will be there for you when you need us. Whether you choose to prearrange your funeral or not, we can answer all your questions...or just give you some compassionate advice.
• We specialize in funeral services that help your loved ones begin to heal...a final tribute for a life well lived...just the way YOU would want it.
• We can help you keep costs down, and offer you choices that are both dignified and sensible.
• We are in YOUR community: Tebbutt and Frederick in Albany, Griswold and Light's in Schenectady, White Funeral Home in Scotia, Singleton Sullivan Minahan Potter and Regan & Denny in Queensbury and in South Glens Falls. Our welcoming funeral homes are conveniently located, and are appointed to ensure your loved ones and friends are comfortable and at ease.

FUNERALS MATTER ... AND SO DOES YOUR PEACE OF MIND.....