What a funeral costs, and how to pay for it

Your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule

• You can ask for prices on the phone. You do not have to give your name.
• When you visit, the funeral home must give you a written price list that lists each item and service. You can keep it.
• You can see casket prices before you look at the caskets.
• You can buy only the items you want. You do not have to buy a package.
• You can buy a casket or urn somewhere else. The funeral home cannot refuse it or charge you a fee to use it.
• No state law says every body must be embalmed. Cooling is often fine. Direct cremation does not need embalming.
• No law says you need a casket for cremation. The funeral home must offer a simple container.
• Before you pay, you get a written list of each thing you picked, its price, and the total.
• The rule does not cover casket stores, monument dealers, or cemeteries that have no funeral home on site.

Help from Social Security

Social Security pays a one time $255 death payment. A spouse who lived with the person can get it. A spouse who lived apart can get it if they get benefits on that person's record. If there is no spouse, some children can get it: kids 17 or younger, kids 18 or 19 still in grade school full time, or a child of any age who became disabled before 22. You must apply within 2 years of the death. Apply online with my Social Security or call 1 800 772 1213 (TTY 1 800 325 0778).

Funeral costs and help by state

Ways to pay for a funeral