Cremation is getting more and more popular because of its simplicity and cost. However, there is still financial assistance for cremation available for people coming from low income. This post will focus on that.
The cost of cremation varies greatly, depending on each service provider. The typical cost can be as low as $750, to as high as $2,000. If you are looking for an affordable cremation, you should also consider a cremation house that is far beyond your local area. Many people often choose a cremation house near their home, but there is no actual distance limitation for this. For example, several cremation houses can pick up the body from 60 to 70 miles away for a relatively low price. The overall cost is often more wallet-friendly.
Sources for Financial Assistance for Cremation
Of course, even though the cremation cost is much lower than the regular funeral, many low-income families can’t afford it. If you are from a low-income family, you can seek help from your county’s treasurer’s office. See if you meet the qualification for the aid. Qualified people will be able to get cremation at no cost. Social Security Administration may also provide a $255 financial assistance to help you with the cost of cremation or to cover the needs of the surviving family member. The financial assistance last for several months.
Another source of assistance is from the Medicaid/Disability. The program offers cremation vouchers to help cover the cost. The vouchers are available for low-income people to help them cope with the cremation cost.
Although it is not a popular choice, a whole body donation can actually get you a free cremation. You do have to wait for about a year, though. On the other hand, the donation means that you are contributing to the improvement of our healthcare technology because usually, the whole body donation will go to medical schools across the country.
Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses have the automatic eligibility for the VA burial. This means that they get free burial space, vault, headstone, and service. Of course, the VA will also cover cremation, should the family decide to do so.
Getting a cremation for your loved ones is a great way to both honor their death and to keep your family’s financial condition healthy. However, there are still some things to consider in order avoiding the additional yet unnecessary cost. Below are some of the tips you’ll need related to the cremation:
- You can scatter the ashes of your loved ones for free in most of the public land or your private property. Scattering them at the sea is also an option. Therefore, if someone said that you have to pay, don’t believe them.
- The crematories may offer you expensive cremation container. You are NOT obliged to buy it. Stick to your budget.
- Embalming is also an optional choice in cremation. Choose daily refrigeration, which should be at no cost.
- Sometimes the crematories also offer identification. This is not necessary and you don’t have to pay for it.
- Last but not least, always be careful of hidden cost and add-ons.
I hope these tips help, and I hope that you can get your needed financial assistance for cremation!
See Also: Is There a Government Grant for Funeral Cost?
References:
- How to Pay for a Cremation Without Insurance
- Image: huffingtonpost.com
