What to Expect with Funeral Costs when Dealing with Funeral Homes in Neutral, KS
Neutral, KS funeral homes and their staff will work hard to ensure that the funeral you are planning for a loved one is one you can afford. For consumers, there are only a few things in life that cost a good chunk of change - a house, a car, a wedding and of course, a funeral. While some funerals can be quite expensive, it doesn't have to be that way. Spending a ton of money is not necessarily a sign of your love for the deceased. Funeral homes in Neutral, KS have many packages and product offerings available for all socioeconomic circumstances. You just have to express, up front, that you have a budget and a funeral director will help you stick to it.
The Funeral Rule Neutral, KS Funeral Homes Must Abide By
The Federal Trade Commission established something called The Funeral Rule which all funeral providers must abide by. For instance, there is something called a General Price List that must be presented to you once you ask - either in person or by phone. Funeral homes in Neutral, KS that do not know the cost of something they offer (perhaps a new item) must provide an estimate in good faith.
In addition, a Casket and Outer Burial Container Price List should also be presented to you by Neutral, KS funeral homes before you make any final decisions regarding caskets or alternate containers such as those used for cremation. Finally, a Statement of Funeral Goods and Services should be given to you to review. This statement lists all of the services and funeral goods you requested along with the pricing. Before you pay anything to funeral homes in Neutral, KS, review the statement and then sign to acknowledge you are aware of all the fees.
Three Basic Categories of Costs to Expect from Neutral, KS Funeral Homes
There is one fee called the basic service fee that funeral providers can charge and consumers cannot decline it. This basic fee encompasses the use of the funeral facilities and the consulting of the funeral director. Time and labor of staff from funeral homes in Neutral, KS as well as coordination of burial or other interments is common to the basic service fee. In addition, any paperwork and other legalities that must be dealt with such as filing the death certificate and securing permits are included.
Elective charges for service are negotiable and can be agreed upon in advance if necessary. These charges might include transportation of the deceased, the use of the funeral limousine or hearse and public viewing or visitation times. Additional optional charges that Neutral, KS funeral homes likely may apply include the casket or burial container, cremation, embalming, cosmetic restoration and final interment in a columbarium or cemetery.
Any items that the funeral director pays for on your behalf are also included in funeral costs. Of course, these items are only purchased with your consent, often to precipitate the arrangements. Flowers, the services of clergymen or musicians, drafting obituary notices and the printing of memorial programs are just a few of many services that may be included in the cost that funeral homes in Neutral, KS charge.
Financing and Payment Resources Available with Neutral, KS Funeral Homes
While pre-planning is always wise, unfortunately, it is often not done. Death is something no one wants to think about or plan for in advance. This situation leaves loved ones of the deceased seeking ways to finance the final send-off. Luckily, there are resources to consider so that you do not have to spend a lot of money.
Funeral homes in Neutral, KS will often suggest that you consider the deceased's resources. Sometimes, there is insurance available for funeral planning or even savings that can be used. POD accounts, known as payable on death bank accounts, are set up during life so when someone dies, their beneficiary can access funds immediately without waiting for the reading of a will or to simply bypass probate.
Social security benefits are available to surviving spouses. However, Neutral, KS funeral homes will tell you that these benefits are quite small and certainly not enough to pay for a funeral. However, the one-time lump sum available can defray a few costs. If the deceased was a member of one of the military branches and discharged honorably, there are likely some benefits from the Veterans Administration. Funeral homes in Neutral, KS can help you determine if the deceased qualifies for a free grave marker, free or reduced rate for cemetery space or even general burial allowances.
Membership in local service or civic organizations might qualify the deceased for some funeral financial assistance. Some churches have special programs that help with funerals too. Of course, the worst case scenario is using a credit card to finance funeral arrangements through Neutral, KS funeral homes.
The primary thing to remember is that the cost of the funeral has no correlation to how much you loved and respected your deceased loved one. Consult with one of the funeral homes in Neutral, KS of your choice as they can help you arrange a funeral with the financial resources you have.