Essential Cremations

What Benefits May Be Available After a Death?

When someone dies, there can be more to take care of than funeral arrangements and paperwork. Depending on your loved one’s circumstances, you or your family may also be eligible for financial benefits.

Some benefits worth looking into may include:

• CPP Death Benefit – a one-time payment to the estate or other eligible person on behalf of someone who contributed to the Canada Pension Plan.

• CPP Survivor’s Pension – a monthly benefit that may be available to the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor.

• CPP Children’s Benefit – monthly payments may be available for dependent children of a deceased CPP contributor.

• Employer or Pension Benefits – workplace life insurance, pension plans, union benefits or other employer-provided coverage may provide additional benefits after a death.

• Private Life Insurance – check for individual policies as well as coverage that may have been included through a mortgage, loan, credit card or other financial product.

Every family’s circumstances are different, and eligibility requirements apply.

Knowing what may be available can help ensure important benefits aren't overlooked during an already overwhelming time.

A little information can make the next steps feel a little easier.

September 10 is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Today, we remember those lost to su***de, support those who are grieving, and encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out.

Check on the people you care about. Listen without judgement. Remind them they are not alone.

Sometimes a simple conversation can be the beginning of hope.

Having a few important details nearby can help make things a little easier.

When completing cremation arrangements, you may be asked for information such as:

• Your loved one’s full legal name
• Date and place of birth
• Social Insurance Number
• Alberta Health Care number
• Current address
• Marital status and spouse’s name
• Occupation during their working years
• Parents’ full names, including mother’s maiden name, and their places of birth, if known
• Executor or next-of-kin information
• Doctor’s name and contact information, if known

Don’t worry if you don’t have every answer right away. Our Licensed Funeral Directors are here to guide you through the process and help you understand what information is needed and what comes next.

Simple. Clear. Compassionate.

Essential Cremations will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labour Day.

While our office will be closed, we understand that a loss can happen at any time. Our team remains available 24/7 for families who require immediate assistance.

We will return to regular office hours on Tuesday, September 8.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful Labour Day long weekend. 💙

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the families, friends and communities who continue to carry their loss.

May we remember with compassion, speak without judgement, and help end the stigma surrounding overdose and substance use.

Grief is personal.

There is no checklist to complete, no perfect way to handle it, and no set amount of time it should take.

You may have good days and difficult ones. You may want company one day and space the next.

That's okay.

On National Grief Awareness Day, we're simply reminding those who are grieving to give themselves the same patience and understanding they would offer someone else.

Take grief one day at a time.

After the cremation is complete, your loved one's cremated remains are placed in a temporary urn or the urn you've selected.

From there, you decide what feels right for your family.

Some families choose to:
🤍 Keep the urn at home.
🤍 Place the urn in a cemetery or columbarium.
🤍 Scatter the ashes in a meaningful place (where permitted).
🤍 Share portions among family members using keepsake urns or jewelry.

There is no "right" choice—only the one that feels most meaningful to you.

If you're unsure, we're happy to explain your options and help you make a decision when you're ready. There is no need to decide immediately.

Obituary for Shirley Mary Murray (née Hebert)
https://www.essentialcremations.com/obituary.php?id=4260

One of the most common questions we hear is, "How long does cremation take?"

While every situation is unique, the entire process typically takes 5–14 days from the time your loved one comes into our care.

This timeline allows for:
• Completion of all required legal documentation and authorizations.
• Registration of the death.
• The cremation itself.
• Preparation of your loved one's cremated remains for return to the family.

If there are additional circumstances—such as a Medical Examiner's investigation, waiting for paperwork, or family travel arrangements—the timeline may be longer.

Throughout the process, we'll keep you informed and let you know what to expect every step of the way.

🤍 Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible during a difficult time.