Financial Assistance Options For Funerals
Unfortunately, many Americans pass away in care facilities without any life insurance policy or savings for final arrangements.
Often, when a needy senior citizen passes in a care center, the financial burden of burial, cremation, or any type of service becomes the responsibility of the family and relatives left behind.
What Services Are Available?
If a loved one has passed without any savings, there are a few options for families who need assistance paying for services. Some things to consider are:
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Insurance Policies
Prior to a person being assigned to long-term care, they may have purchased a pre-need plan or funeral-related insurance policy. Begin by doing some research from previous employers or contact an agent.
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Estate/Property
Although the deceased may have had invested in the property, if a will was not created, it may take a very long time to release the funds of an estate or property.
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Social Security or Veterans Benefits
- Check to see if the deceased is eligible for Social Security benefits that may cover part of the service costs. Also, if they were a veteran, check with the US Department of Veterans Affairs regarding possible reimbursement.
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Funeral Loans/Credit Financing
If none of the above applies, find out if the funeral home/cremation service offers loans. However, funeral homes usually ask for payment upfront because funeral service providers have to be paid first.
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State of Residence
If there is no one else to shoulder the expenses of the deceased, the local government will help, but with minimal options.
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Body Donation
In some places, the agreement to donate a deceased person’s body to science and research must be done before death. If this is the last resort, the state will cremate the rest of the body and return the ashes to the family at no cost.
- Cremation – For many surviving families and relatives who have no way of affording an expensive burial/funeral service, the best option is cremation. Cremation is low cost, simple, and gentle on the environment.
Cremation allows families to have a memorial without paying for burial plots or embalming. In fact, the scattering of the ashes in a special place or keeping the urn at home can be one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the deceased’s person’s life.
How National Cremation Can Help
Some Americans are not able to set aside funds or pre-plan for their end-of-life arrangements. Therefore, the burden of paying for services after death falls on the family, relatives, and even on the state government.
National Cremation Society offers assistance in both prearrangement and immediate need situations.
We all have to face the inevitable, that’s why it is wise to plan for our end-of-life arrangements. Pre-planning cremation comes with many benefits. Pre-planning cremation is a type of prepaid funeral plan that can lock in prices at the time.
We ease the hardship on our family during a time of crisis, so they can focus on more important matters such as grieving and attending to our legal or financial affairs.
You do not have to worry about high costs because a pre-planned National Cremation Society cremation service locks in today’s rates. Pre-planning cremation is truly a priceless gift for our surviving family and relatives.
For information on Covid-19 Funeral Assistance, click here.
National Cremation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of simple and affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan your cremation services in advance, we’re always available to assist you and your family. Contact us online or call (855)-469-9474 today.
