Dear Claudienne

My father, who died recently was a member of the Churches Credit Union. He was in his 80s.

I went to the credit union to get money from his account for his burial expenses and was told by a clerk that I needed to get a document from the funeral home showing proof of his death. I got the paper from the funeral home and took it to the clerk. She then sent me to the University Hospital for a physician’s certificate. I took the certificate to her but I am still getting the runaround. I asked her to let me speak with a supervisor or manager but she refused and I am making no headway.

Prior to his death, my father told me that he had put me and my younger brother as beneficiaries on his account. However, my younger brother who was shot and crippled last year died in June.

Prior to my father’s death on October 6, he and I went to the credit union for me to be listed as the sole beneficiary on his account. They copied my Identification as well as my father’s and had me sign the document. The clerk wanted my father to sign but he said his hand was cramped and he couldn’t. The clerk told me to get a letter from the doctor as proof that he couldn’t sign the form. However, I was told by someone that he could have put an X on the paper and that would have been sufficient.

Could you please assist me as I need to get the money to bury him.

AS

Dear AS

We contacted Churches Credit Union and were informed that because the credit union funds are insured, once a member dies the procedure is that the credit union in question has to make a death claim on the insurance company. Tell Claudienne was asked to send you to the officer who deals with death claims, and we note that on your taking the invoice for burial from the funeral home to Churches, a burial cheque in the amount of $219,000 was prepared in the name of the funeral home.

We also sent you to the Operations Manager and we see that she has informed you that your father did not list you as a beneficiary of his account. We note that you said the Operations Manager told you that in order for you to get the remainder of the money in the account you would have to seek the services of an attorney.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

My mother applied to the Registrar General’s Department for my sister’s birth certificate in July 2009 and paid $7,000 for a seven-day service. Each time I call the RGD on my mother’s behalf I am told that the application is being processed. The birth certificate is urgently needed as another sister in the United States has filed for her and the Immigration services office needs it.

I would appreciate your help.

AN

Dear AN

Tell Claudienne sought the assistance of a government agency which monitors the RGD and note that the birth certificate was dispatched by courier to your mother on November 23. We contacted your mother and note that she has received it.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 936-9436 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.