How To Pay For A Funeral

Consumers have many choices and resources when it comes to paying for a
funeral whether it is their own, or that of a loved one.

Before making any funeral arrangements when a death occurs, be sure to
check to see if the deceased left any instructions about funeral arrangements or had already prepaid funeral or cemetery services. More and more consumers are prepaying their funerals to ensure that they have the service they want, and to relieve their survivors of decision making and monetary considerations at a stressful time.

If the deceased has not prefunded his or her funeral, then it is important for survivors to determine how much money they wish to spend on an appropriate memorialization. There are many factors that will determine the cost of a funeral. Just as with other life rituals such as weddings, the cost will depend on how elaborate or how simple a ceremony the family chooses.

The funeral director will provide a written description of the options available and what they cost during the first family meeting. Many consumer advocates advise that a family compare prices and services before making a final decision. It is also well to remember that funeral merchandise (a casket for example) ordered sight unseen from a supplier other than the funeral director may or may not be a good value. In fact, most
funeral homes offer very competitive casket prices. The funeral director has no responsibility if any merchandise obtained from another source does not live up to the consumer's expectations, or causes inconvenience to the family.    

The most common way to pay for a funeral is to use family funds, some of which may come from the deceased's life insurance policy. Life insurance proceeds are usually paid to the named beneficiaries within a few weeks after filing the appropriate paperwork.

Other death benefits that may be available are:

*  Social Security Administration: Payment for covered individuals can be made only to a surviving widow, widower or financially dependent child. In
2001, the  death benefit payment is $255.  For more information, please call
1-800-772- 1213.

*  Veterans Administration:  Death benefits may be available for qualifying veterans. For more information, please call the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-838-7697, or contact your local County Veterans Service Agency for an appointment and more details.

*  Victims of Crime:  If the death was the result of a criminal act, benefits may be available through the Victims of Crime Compensation Program. For
more information, please call 1-800-247-8035 or visit their Website at
www.cvb.state.ny.us.

*  No-fault Insurance:  Under certain circumstances, if the death occurs as a
 result of a motor vehicle accident, there may be no-fault insurance
benefits available.

In addition to these sources, some fraternal organizations and unions
also provide death benefits to survivors of members. It is always a good idea to remember that your local funeral director can assist you in contacting the correct people, and making sure that you have applied for any applicable benefits that you may be entitled to receive.

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