Grief & Practical Aftercare
Grief & Practical Aftercare
The days and weeks following a funeral service can feel overwhelming. This page is designed to guide you through both the emotional journey of grief and the practical matters that need attention. Whether you’re seeking support for your heart or clarity for the administrative tasks ahead, Mount Sinai is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Bereavement Support
You don’t have to walk through grief alone. We’re here to support you and your family.
Grief is deeply personal. There is no timeline, no right way to process loss. Whether it takes days, months, or years, Mount Sinai is here to support you.
Our Mount Sinai Cares program offers complimentary aftercare services in partnership with The Jewish Healing Center LA.
Bereavement Workshops & Support Groups
Mount Sinai offers ongoing workshops and groups to support you and your family throughout your grief journey:
- Monthly online bereavement groups
- Programs focused on specific types of loss, such as the loss of a spouse or a parent
- Holiday workshops that provide support during difficult times of the year
Rabbi Carla Howard creates a safe space for sharing, healing, and finding community with others who understand your journey.
Register for Upcoming Bereavement GroupsAdditional Grief Resources
- The Compassionate Friends — Support for families experiencing the death of a child at any age (630-990-0010)
- Beth Chayim Chadashim, Life Transitions Group — Inclusive community of progressive lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual Jews whose lives have been touched by loss (323-931-7023)
- GriefShare — A friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences
- My Miscarriage Matters — Support for survivors of miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant loss
- Open to Hope — A non-profit foundation helping people find hope after loss through shared stories of hope and compassion
- SHARE Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support — Support for those touched by the tragic death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death
- SIDS Network — Information and support for those touched by the tragedy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- SOS – Survivors of Suicide — Helps those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way
What are My Next Steps?
Important administrative matters to address in the weeks following your service.
Death Certificates
We anticipate you will have follow-up questions regarding when and how you will receive the certified copies of your loved one’s death certificate. Below you will find helpful information on obtaining them.
Why You May Need Certified Copies
Certified death certificates are often required to:
- • File insurance claims
- • Transfer property or titles
- • Access bank accounts or safe deposit boxes
- • Handle pension, Social Security, or veteran’s benefits
- • Manage legal or tax matters
How Certified Copies Are Issued
Only the County can issue certified copies. Mount Sinai submits the information to the Health Department. We do not issue certificates directly.
Ordering Through Mount Sinai
- • If you requested certified copies during arrangements, we will place your order with the County on your behalf
- • Copies will be mailed directly to the address you provided
- • Standard processing time is generally 6–9 weeks from the date of filing with the County
- • If you need copies sooner, you may visit the DPH Vital Records Office in the county where the death occurred to request them directly
Ordering Additional Copies
- • If you need more copies in the future, you may request them directly from the DPH Vital Records Office in which the death occurred
- • Each certified copy carries a fee (set by the County). Fees are subject to change
Continuing the Memory
Honor and remember your loved one through meaningful traditions and lasting tributes.
Yahrzeits & Unveilings
Jewish tradition provides meaningful ways to honor and remember your loved one in the year ahead and beyond.
Yahrzeit
The Yahrzeit is observed annually on the Hebrew anniversary of a loved one’s passing. On this day, it is customary to light a 24-hour memorial candle, recite Kaddish, and reflect on cherished memories. Families receive a calendar marking these dates for the first year to help you observe this sacred tradition.
Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling typically takes place between 11 months and one year after the burial. This ceremony formally dedicates the monument and provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share memories, and find closure together.
Learn More About Unveilings
Social Security Notification
As part of the services we provide, we have submitted the required notification of your loved one’s passing to the Social Security Administration on your behalf. This helps ensure that their records are updated promptly and helps avoid any issues related to benefit payments.
Social Security survivors benefits are designed to help ease the financial burden following the loss of a loved one. If the deceased worked and paid into Social Security, you may be eligible for monthly benefits.
Who May Qualify for Benefits
One-Time Lump-Sum Payment
A one-time payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death.
How to Apply
You can apply for survivors benefits: