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Ways People Pay
Whole Body Donation for Education or Science
This is done through the Uof U. Some people are really uplifted at the idea of gifting their body to science or education. Call the U of U Body Donor Program at 801-581-6728 to volunteer. All transportation costs are covered within 50 miles. You can even request that cremains be returned to your 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 qualify for this service.
Note: Utah Law 53B-17-301 says that any person who has charge over an unclaimed body that is to be buried at public expense shall notify the dean of the school of medicine at the UofU within 24 hrs after taking charge of the body....and upon the Deans request and expense it will to be transported, embalmed and used after 60 days if no relative or friend claims it.
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
Many people who need assistance mistakenly believe their Religion frowns on cremation. In many religions it was 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 religions.
Most church leaders today try to play a neutral role in such a personal family decision. Feel free to email FCAof Utah@gmail.com for more detailed info on what your church really thinks about cremation.
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. A mortuary should be glad to keep it in refrigeration until you can afford to pay for what you want.
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.
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. 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 (in the 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 Health Dept of the county where death occured, make or buy a casket (Google pictures of cardboard and homemade 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.
Have Time to Plan Ahead?
Life insurance or Savings
There are 5 major ways to finance a funeral with insurance or savings. See short clear info on this at: www.FCANT.org Click on Information, then FAQ, then #17