Funeral Planning Resources

Helpful guides and information to assist you during difficult times

Funeral Planning Checklist

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming. Use this checklist to help guide you through the essential steps:

Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)

  • • Contact a funeral home to arrange for care of the deceased
  • • Notify close family members and friends
  • • Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate
  • • Locate important documents (will, insurance policies, etc.)

Service Planning (First Week)

  • • Decide on burial or cremation
  • • Choose between traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life
  • • Select casket, urn, or other memorial products
  • • Plan the service details (music, readings, speakers)
  • • Write or approve the obituary
  • • Arrange for flowers and reception

Administrative Tasks (First Month)

  • • Notify Social Security Administration
  • • Contact insurance companies and employers
  • • Close or transfer accounts and utilities
  • • File life insurance claims
  • • Arrange for probate if necessary

Understanding Funeral Costs

Funeral costs can vary significantly based on location and services chosen. Here's what to expect:

Basic Services

  • • Professional service fees: $2,000 - $3,000
  • • Transportation: $300 - $500
  • • Embalming: $700 - $1,000
  • • Viewing/visitation: $400 - $600
  • • Funeral ceremony: $400 - $600

Additional Costs

  • • Casket: $2,000 - $10,000+
  • • Burial plot: $1,000 - $4,000
  • • Vault: $1,000 - $3,000
  • • Headstone: $1,000 - $3,000
  • • Cremation: $1,000 - $3,000

Important: Funeral homes are required by law to provide a General Price List (GPL). Always request this to compare costs and make informed decisions. Don't hesitate to ask questions about any charges.

Benefits of Pre-Planning

Many people choose to pre-plan their funeral arrangements. Here are the advantages:

Financial Peace

Lock in today's prices and avoid future inflation

Ease Burden

Relieve family from making difficult decisions during grief

Your Wishes

Ensure your preferences are known and honored

Types of Funeral Services

Understanding your options can help you make the right choice for your family:

Traditional Funeral Service

Includes viewing/visitation, formal funeral service, and burial or entombment. Often includes religious or cultural customs and traditions.

Memorial Service

Held after cremation or burial has taken place. The body is not present, allowing more flexibility in timing and location.

Celebration of Life

A more personalized, uplifting gathering focusing on celebrating the deceased's life and legacy rather than mourning their passing.

Direct Cremation or Burial

The most economical option with no formal viewing or ceremony. The body is cremated or buried shortly after death.

Green/Natural Burial

An environmentally-friendly option that minimizes environmental impact through biodegradable materials and natural processes.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans and their families may be eligible for funeral and burial benefits:

Burial in a VA National Cemetery: Free burial plot, opening and closing of grave, and perpetual care
Burial Allowance: Partial reimbursement for burial and funeral costs (service-connected death: up to $2,000; non-service-connected: up to $796)
Headstone or Marker: Free government headstone or marker with inscription
Presidential Memorial Certificate: Engraved certificate signed by the current president honoring the veteran's service
Burial Flag: American flag provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn

For more information: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov/burials-memorials

Important Contacts

Government Agencies

  • Social Security Administration
    1-800-772-1213
    ssa.gov
  • Veterans Affairs
    1-800-827-1000
    va.gov
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
    Funeral Rule Information
    consumer.ftc.gov

Support Resources

  • National Funeral Directors Association
    1-800-228-6332
    nfda.org
  • GriefShare
    Grief support groups
    griefshare.org
  • National Hospice Foundation
    1-800-338-8619
    nationalhospicefoundation.org

Frequently Asked Questions

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