Rethinking the rights and responsibilities of being a funeral consumer
It's important to understand the rights and responsibilities family members have for funerals and seeing to the disposition of a relative. For expert assistance with financial funeral planning and the finer points of deaths that occur out of state, setting up funeral monetary funds and the like, we suggest that you visit our sister organization, the Funeral Consumers Alliance.
Rarely have we stopped to think that perhaps the best way to be a consumer is to consider simply consuming less, but there is a growing aesthetic that is changing the way we view spending for funerals that espouses simplicity and authenticity. For some, that means the family does more themselves; for others, it means finding ways to do the necessary by paring down services and expectations. It is not always driven by money — in fact, statistics show that the highest cremation rates (the least expensive option) in the US occur in the states with the highest median incomes. People who can well afford a full conventional funeral often opt for a direct cremation as a statement that reflects their lives, rather than their bank account. And this has given rise to the understanding that the amount we pay for funerals is no longer considered equal to the amount we loved someone.
If cost is a concern and the family can manage home care and disposition themselves, a considerable savings may be possible. If the family prefers to hire a funeral professional exclusively, it is important to recognize that this is a business transaction and that the price is determined by the owner. Blended funerals, where the responsibility is shared, may reduce costs while facilitating a smooth experience for all.
You will find other great ideas for saving money on funerals at the FCA page, How to Pay for a Funeral or Other Arrangements.
Rarely have we stopped to think that perhaps the best way to be a consumer is to consider simply consuming less, but there is a growing aesthetic that is changing the way we view spending for funerals that espouses simplicity and authenticity. For some, that means the family does more themselves; for others, it means finding ways to do the necessary by paring down services and expectations. It is not always driven by money — in fact, statistics show that the highest cremation rates (the least expensive option) in the US occur in the states with the highest median incomes. People who can well afford a full conventional funeral often opt for a direct cremation as a statement that reflects their lives, rather than their bank account. And this has given rise to the understanding that the amount we pay for funerals is no longer considered equal to the amount we loved someone.
If cost is a concern and the family can manage home care and disposition themselves, a considerable savings may be possible. If the family prefers to hire a funeral professional exclusively, it is important to recognize that this is a business transaction and that the price is determined by the owner. Blended funerals, where the responsibility is shared, may reduce costs while facilitating a smooth experience for all.
You will find other great ideas for saving money on funerals at the FCA page, How to Pay for a Funeral or Other Arrangements.
What to do when you can't afford a funeral
But for those who do not have the means to pay for the funeral of a family member at all, an unplanned or sudden death can cause confusion and despair, potentially thrusting them into a financial loan agreement they cannot afford, or start online fundraising drives, or search for various other means of coming up with the cash that is usually due prior to service. For those who are eligible for financial assistance, there are several things to know:
- the State of NH requires all municipalities (and has for over 200 years) to assist in the burial or cremation of deceased welfare recipients RSA 165 (see Dealing With Burial Costs: understanding a municipality's obligations by NH Cities and Towns)
- usually the family must provide evidence of public assistance along with completion of an application for assistance
- some municipalities will only pay for a direct cremation, which doesn't include a service any kind or witnessing the cremation
- the family, designated agent, or funeral director must file to receive Social Security death benefits of $255
- Veteran's Benefits are a phone call away if the deceased was honorably discharged from service, being treated in an VA facility, or other requirement. Veteran's death benefits may include the following.Contact the VA to learn what qualifies for:
- a $300 burial expense reimbursement for qualifying veteran's families
- a $300 burial plot assistance payment for burials not in VA cemeteries
- a $2000 active duty or service-connected death benefit
- a travel allowance