Need Money to Cover Expenses TODAY?

Options To Consider

Whole Body Donation

This is done through the University of Utah.  Call the U of U Body Donor Program at 801-581-6728.  All transportation costs are covered within 50 miles. You can even request that, following cremation, the ashes be returned to the family or buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Apply for Indigent Burial/Cremation

This is applied for through the County where death occured. In Utah county, if you earn below the 2006 US Dept of Health and Human Servies Poverty Guideline then you may qualify. Newspaper obituaries are very expensive so a death notice will be placed in the paper but the funeral home will not file an obituary.

The Utah county funeral home with this contract scatters the ashes in a mountain meadow if no one claims them within 6 months after cremation.

Crime Victim's Reparation

You may be able to apply for reimbursement of funeral and burial related expenses. http://www.crimevictim.utah.gov/Comp/Crime%20Victim%20English.pdf

Church Offerings

Often we talk to families who have been offered from their congregation leader to help pay for a funeral using fast offerings. Some will offer to cover half of whatever the family buys. Remember though, half of an unnecessary $6K bill is still an unnecessary $3K.

Also many people who need assistance mistakenly believe their religion frowns on cremation. In many religions it is more often the case that the avoidance of cremation, in the past, was associated with a desire not to appear associated with the superstitions of pagan traditions or the symbolism of the burning garbage heaps on the outskirts of cities in bible times (which has nothing to do with respectful cremation performed in facilities for the disposition of the dead today).

Graciously most church leaders now try to play a neutral role in such a personal family decision. religious cremation facts

Search for Death Benefits

VA (see below), Social Security ($255), fraternal organizations, employee unions, credit-unions, or an employer may pay death benefits to survivors. 

Most are not automatic and must be applied for. So be sure to ask around.

Public Appeals

This is often seen in Newspapers. If you go this route you need time. So don't feel pressured to do anything with the body or to mortgage your home before you have searched out your options.

Veterans Benefits

Honorably discharged veterans get free burial at a Veterans National Cemetery which includes the grave, vault, opening and closing, marker, and setting fee. Utah Families can act as their own funeral director and, with proper paperwork from the Vital records office where death occured, bring their veteran to the cemetery themselves.

This means there would be no expense for a veteran at all, other than a container which the family may make if they desire.

Many State Veterans Cemeteries offer free burial for veterans and, often, spouses too. More info:www.cem.va.gov

Relatives Sharing the Cost

When no individual was assigned, prior to death, to control the disposition of remains, it falls to "the next of kin" to all AGREE on what to purchase. Many fear buying a cheap & simple funeral because they feel embarrassed or have false assumptions that the cost reflects the love and respect they had for the deceased.

So be as frank and open as possible and very cautious before accepting an offer from anyone to "pay for everything". They probably have no clue, will overly influence the purchases and then change their mind later, leaving you with expectations to "pitch in".

Lower the Cost so it's Affordable for you

One way to lower costs dramatically is to view our Price Survey (at the top right margin) for an at-a-glance price comparison.

Another option is to bypass a funeral director, apply for the Death Certificate directly with the Vital Records office of the county where death occured, make or buy a local casket (Google pictures of homemade and alternative caskets that you can decorate yourself). Hold a ceremony, funeral, or vigil at a chapel or home. Then transport the body in any van or truck to a crematory for "immediate cremation". Ashes are much cheaper to bury in a cemetery or you may bury them nearly anywhere for free or keep them or scatter them.

Ask for and Accept Participation instead of Cash

When a death occurs, many people want to do something to help. They might add to their condolences, "Please call if I can do something.," not being at all sure what they could really do.

That is the time to ask for help, especially ahead of time when the death is expected. Not all of the tasks below will apply to your situation but consider who will--

* Help with notifying family and friends, by phone or e-mail,
Facebook or Twitter? Website?
* Be in charge of obtaining the required paperwork (death
certificate, burial transit or disposition permit, permit to
cremate)?
* Contact the cemetery, crematory, or med school to schedule
delivery of the body?
* Bathe and dress the body?
* Make or purchase a casket, shroud, or cardboard container?
* Obtain dry ice or frozen gel packs if needed?
* Arrange for music?
* Contact any clergy desired?
* Arrange for flowers?
* Arrange for cleaning or housekeeping or pet-sitting?
* Arrange for meals or other refreshments?
* Meet out-of-town guests at the airport?
* Provide overnight accommodations for those?
* Collect and display photos or other memorabilia?
* Plan any service to be held, with or without the body present?
* Help if there will be more than one event or more than one location?
* Write the obituary?
* Write a eulogy?
* Video any events for the benefit of out-of-town family?
* Serve as pall bearers?
* Transport the body?
* Send thank you notes?
* Apply for veterans benefits such as a marker and flag?
* Notify Social Security if not already a part of EDR (electronic
death registration)?
* Extend support to the bereaved after everyone has gone?