AGEG News

MEMBERSHIP

AGEG is the only association in Georgia that focuses on Embalmers! Our members are a great pool of information for embalmers across the state and the southeast. We offer specific training for your profession and opportunities for you to earn your Continuing Education Hours.

AGEG members receive a discounted rate for clinic attendance and AGEG News email alerts which contain the latest updates and guidance regarding licensing, regulatory, Coronavirus Disease 2019, FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, and AGEG events news.

AGEG accepts new memberships throughout the year. Starting in December, AGEG 2022 membership renewal forms will be available online and mailed to 2021 AGEG members. Emeritus members must complete a membership form annually to continue their membership. For your convenience, we know accept online payments.

Do you need to update your contact information? Current members may updated their contact information by using our online tool found HERE.

In this section

AGEG News

Career Center

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Georgia Board of Funeral Service

Georgia State Office of Vital Records

Funeral Home Websites

National Cemetery Administration Accepts Claims via Direct Upload

Dear Funeral Directors,

In response to your feedback stating submission of NCA Forms via fax and mail can be frustrating, the National Cemetery Administration partnered with the Veterans Benefits Administration to allow submitting claims and supporting documents online. Applicants may now use the direct upload tool through AccessVA to submit forms for memorial benefits.

What is Direct Upload?

Direct Upload is an online tool that provides the most convenient, secure, and safest way for Veterans and their family members to submit claims and evidence to NCA electronically.

What to submit to NCA via Direct Upload?

VA Form 40-1330 Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker
VA Form 40-1330M Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in Private Cemetery
VA Form 40-0247 Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form
VA Form 40-10007 Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery
Death certificates
Documents verifying service

Benefits of using Direct Upload

Safely submit claims and evidence from any computer with an internet connection
Cost free - avoiding mail and/or fax charges
Submissions are tracked real time and copies are saved

How to get started

Please visit AccessVA at https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/ to submit your information using Direct Upload. You will be instructed to register during your first sign-on attempt. Select the appropriate User Type button on the User Identification screen: Veteran, Veteran Family Member, or VSO/VA Business Partner (e.g., officer, attorney, or claims agent). Once your registration is complete, you will be able to upload your documents electronically online using Direct Upload.

Thank you,

The National Cemetery Administration

2021 CLINIC CANCELLATION

AGEG consistently monitors guidance and developments regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the time for our 2021 Clinic grows near, we have again reviewed event safety protocols and duties of key members involved in the operation of this event. The AGEG Board of Directors are aware of the rise in cases of COVID-19 and the impact on public health, hospital systems, and funeral service. As leadership of this organization, acting with a leader mentality and in the best interest of AGEG and Embalmers across the Southeast, the AGEG Board of Directors made the decision to cancel the 2021 AGEG Clinic (scheduled for August 23-25, 2021 in Forsyth, GA). CLICK HERE for our full announcement.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

AGEG members are updated by email as guidance and information becomes available. Updates for the last week are listed below.
CLICK HERE for our dedicated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page.

A Week of Guidance and Updates

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

People with Certain Medical Conditions - October 14, 2021 - CLICK HERE
Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination - October 13, 2021 - CLICK HERE
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination - October 13, 2021 - CLICK HERE
Operational Considerations for Personal Protective Equipment in the Context of Global Supply Shortages for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: non-US Healthcare Settings - October 12, 2021 - CLICK HERE
COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People - October 8, 2021 - CLICK HERE

FEMA Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 Related Deaths

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Congress authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to individuals who incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. FEMA has issued its final policy, which includes details such as eligibility, documentation criteria, and the application process.

More information may be found in our NEW FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance section, CLICK HERE.

ATTENTION: Updates became available August 29, 2021 and we have updated the following items.

Frequently Asked Questions
For Funeral Directors and Other Deathcare Providers
Interim Policy Change

FEMA has updated it's video and it may be viewed HERE. If you placed the original video on your website, you will want to replace it with the new version

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown - October 4, 2021 - FEMA has provided over $1.158 billion to more than 176,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020. CLICK HERE

Licensing & Regulatory

Georgia Board of Funeral Service

Board Office Operations Update

Due to the continued pandemic, most Professional Licensing Boards Division staff are teleworking. However, the PLB lobby is open to visitors to drop documents off or leave messages during regular business hours. Constituents are encouraged to utilize web resources for online transactions and to answer frequently asked questions. For additional information, contact the call center at 404-424-9966 or 844-753-7825.

For additional information from the Georgia Board of Funeral Service, CLICK HERE for our dedicated section.

Georgia State Office of Vital Records

2021 Office Hours and Webinars

October 19, 2021 - Fee & Issuance Request (Amendment/PA/Correction)
October 26, 2021 - Vital Records Office Hours
November 18, 2021 - Vital Records Office Hours
December 1, 2021 - Vital Records Office Hours
December 9, 2021 - Disposition & Disinter/Reinter Process

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Update on Walk-in Services

Due to the public health state of emergency surrounding COVID-19, we have suspended Vital Records walk-in services at the State Office of Vital Records until further notice. You may request birth and death records online using one of our approved third party vendors (ROVER, Go Certificates, or VitalChek) or visit your local county office. It is strongly recommended that you call first, before visiting your county office. If you would like to make a change or correction to a vital record, please mail your request, along with the required documentation, to our facility. Our mailing address is 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. For all other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 404-679-4702. Our Communications Center will be open from 8:00am to 4:30pm to assist you during this time. Stay safe and be well.

**Due to the public health state of emergency surrounding COVID-19, processing times for all vital records requests may be delayed.

GAVERS September Maintenance - Features and Fixes

The State Office of Vital Records recently conducted maintenance on the GAVERS application. Below is a list of the features and fixes that are now available. If you have any questions about the deployment, please contact your regional consultant.

Social Security Administration

UPDATED FORM SSA-721

The Social Security Administration has updated Form SSA-721, Statement of Death by Funeral Director, in June 2021. Per the form discontinue prior editions. CLICK HERE for the NEW form.

AGEG Classifieds

NEED A DESK FOR THE OFFICE OR HOME?

Vickie Bowen Henry, wife of AGEG Member Reginald C. Henry, has a desk for you! This solid walnut desk was purchased in 1964 to go in the arrangement office at my parent's funeral home so it has had very little use. It measures 42 inches wide and 75 inches deep with 6 drawers, however, one ledger is missing. This desk can be yours at not cost. You only need to pick it up.
Contact Vickie Bowen Henry today by calling 770-597-8042 (cell).

AGEG Career Center

Do you have a job opportunity?

Are you seeking a new opportunity?

CLICK HERE to for details on how to submit
your opportunity or resume.

Funeral Service Related Death Notices

To ensure AGEG members are notified in a timely manner, AGEG respectfully requests funeral service related death notifications be sent to the AGEG office via email: academyga@outlook.com. If you are sending a notice outside of normal business hours, please call 770-445-3180.

Products & Services for Your Profession

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