How to Pay for Funeral Expenses

It's difficult to arrange a dignified and appropriate service for someone you love when you're suffering their loss. Take a steady friend or relative with you to help sort it all out.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Budget
• Itemized price list

1. Find out from a close family member or a lawyer if the deceased left special requests regarding funeral arrangements.

2. Set a budget. Prices for caskets and services vary hugely. Expect to spend $5,000 for the viewing, funeral ceremonies and an average casket, excluding charges for a burial plot. Consider less expensive options such as a graveside service only or cremation, which costs between $1,000 and $2,000.

3. Contact funeral homes. Family members may have their preferences. Ask about payment plans. Consumer advocates say prepaid funerals are generally a poor choice for everyone but the funeral home. And the fees (from $5,000 to $10,000) can really burn you up.

4. Ask for an itemized price list (required by federal law), and make sure you understand exactly what it includes.

5. Cut casket costs (which range from $375 to $8,500) by buying one online at sites such as FuneralDepot.com. You will avoid the funeral home's markup, and caskets can be shipped there in a matter of hours, if necessary. Or ask about rental coffins, used for viewing purposes only (the body is buried in a basic casket).

6. Find out what fees members of the clergy charge for their services, if applicable.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepayers spend the same amount of money, but the funeral home has their money longer. Check with ConsumersUnion.org and make sure the payments are transferable if you move.
• You may be eligible for assistance with funeral costs from Social Security, the Veteran's Administration, or your state's health and human services department. Telephone the appropriate agency to obtain application forms.

[burleysangel]

on 10/2/2009 To whomever this may concern:

Hi, my name is Amy. I am writing you in pure desperation for my mother-in-law. See she recently passed away on September 16th 2009 in her home from Liver cancer. Sadly enough, my husband and I were not notified until 7:38 p.m. that following Friday night (09/18/09) via the funeral director at Stegenga Funeral Chapel. My husband and I have taken care of his mom for the past 12 years diligently with no assistance from anyone else within the family. In fact the only other family member that she had left was her brother who has not been involved for more than 20 years. A few months before Mom's passing, her brother suddenly showed up with his wife after Mom was already affected mentally from her diagnoses. Now the catch to this is that Mom had 40 + acres that everyone wanted. So it was very convenient for them to come knocking when they heard that Mom was d...

[mizzcuban20]

on 9/1/2009 my mother has passed away im asking for donation to help me bury my mother any donation i will be very greatfull you dont even have to send the money to me it can dirctly go to the funeral home i went to churchs and they have turned me down this was my last resort this is no scam people please have a heart and not flagg me here is the name and adresse to the funeral home mothe funeral home 2100 westbank expressway harvey la 70058 here is the number 504-367-3920 tell them you would like to donate to aida bordelon that is my mother who has passed away my family cant even afford much here is my cell number if you have any questions thank you for the people that donated already and thanks to the people that called just to say sorry yall are in my heart thanks and god bless please do not flagg have a heart here is my cell number 504-253-1161 my name is amanda please send money order or...

[nicole182230]

on 6/18/2009 There is now funeral financing available even in an economy such as this. Goto: www.gsgfuneralfinancing.com

[luciafamily]

on 4/29/2009 My son Jesse Lee Lucia passed away April 15th 2009 in an unexpected car accident. Jesse was asleep in the backseat of the vehicle when the accident occurred. The family is in a financial rut and have outstanding balances with the funeral home as well as my unemployed fathers credit cards that were used to pay for the funeral expenses. If any one would care to make donations they may do so by making contributions payable to Oliver Lucia c/o Jones-Wynn Funeral Home 306 Westview Drive Villa Rica Ga, 30180. We thank you in advance for all prayers thoughts and contributions. may God bless you and your families.

[CHERYLSTYME]

on 12/30/2008 My sister-in-law Cheryl L Donovan passed away Dec. 23, 2008. She didn't have a Life Insurance Policy. We have went door to door for donations and put buckets with her picture on it at gas stations and stores.We tried to talk her 21 year old twins into cremating her to save on the cost. But they were too upset about that idea. They have a family burial place for her.The cheapest arrangements we could find was $4100.oo. We are still short. Could anyone help us out? Call or send a check to Bell Funeral Home in Sumiton [phone] address 510 Main Street, Sumiton Alabama 35148 Thank You for any amount of help that you can give.

Pamela and Edward Sanford