Before deciding on a funeral home, speak with the funeral director. They can explain their pricing options and any additional charges they might charge. Also, make sure to get an itemized statement.
Funeral directors and embalmers must be licensed. They must meet state and national licensure requirements and pass the mortuary science exam. They must also obtain a permit to take bodies across state lines for final disposition.
Services
Funeral directors help families arrange visitations, funerals and ceremonies that reflect a deceased person’s wishes. They also assist with legal or insurance paperwork and help families find support services if needed. They’re skilled at recognizing when someone is having an especially traumatic reaction to the loss and can recommend extra support or professional help.
If you make arrangements in advance, the funeral home must provide you with a General Price List and an Itemized Statement of Merchandise, Services and Facilities. These documents will include contractual language that legally obligates you to pay the cost of your funeral once the contract is signed. This information must be provided to you before the beginning of your arrangement conference, even if it is conducted remotely, such as over the telephone.
The Board administers licensing examinations for funeral directors and embalmers, inspects and licenses funeral firms, investigates consumer/provider complaints and provides education on death care industry laws. The Board is a member of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, which addresses licensure qualification, examination, state-to-state reciprocity and other issues that impact the mission of member boards.
Locations
The Bureau licenses and investigates complaints against 13 different licensing categories, including funeral establishments and funeral directors; embalmers and apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers/branch/additional, and cemetery salespersons; cremated remains disposers; crematories and crematory managers; and the nearly 200 licensed private cemeteries in the State. The Bureau also advocates consumer protection through proactive education and consistent interpretation and application of the laws governing the death care industry.
In addition, funeral homes must provide consumers with a General Price List of all services and merchandise regularly offered. This list must include a brief description of each casket and alternative container (such as a cardboard or pressed wood box) available for purchase. It must be presented to you at the beginning of the arrangement conference.
The funeral service industry is regulated at the local, county, and state levels and there are many schools that offer mortuary science programs. Requirements vary from state to state but most require at least a high school diploma and some college-level classes.
Payment options
There are a variety of payment options available through funeral homes. These can range from prepaid funeral plans to funeral loans. In addition, families may be eligible for government assistance. If you are a low-income New York City resident, you can apply for burial assistance on HRA’s website or by calling 311.
If you cannot afford to pay for your funeral in full at the time of the arrangement conference, there are a number of ways you can finance it. Many funeral homes accept life insurance policies as payment for arrangements. They can be contacted to verify that the policy is genuine and that it covers the cost of your chosen services.
Alternatively, you can use an online loan provider, such as Affirm. Affirm offers flexible financing terms and a simple application process. It also does not penalize early repayment, which can help you save on interest charges. Additionally, Affirm works with a large network of funeral homes and service providers, including Afterall locations.
Insurance
Purchasing a funeral insurance policy can protect your loved ones from financial burdens and ease the stress of decision-making during a challenging time. However, it is important to understand the various options and factors involved. These include the differences between pre-need and final expense insurance, the possibility of transferring policies, limitations on benefit usage, and the effects of missed premium payments. Thorough research and comparison of providers will help you select a reputable company.
A pre-need plan involves working with a funeral home to choose the services you want and paying for them in advance. This can offset the effect of inflation, and your loved ones will not have to make decisions during a stressful time. However, the costs can rise unexpectedly, so be sure to check whether your provider offers guarantees on non-guaranteed services. Moreover, the policy should allow for flexible customization to meet your needs and preferences. Also, be sure to consider the terms and conditions for making changes in the policy, as life circumstances can change over time.