The Bureau licenses and investigates complaints against funeral establishments; funeral directors; embalmers; apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers/branch/additional, salespersons; cremated remains disposers; crematories, hydrolysis facilities and crematory managers; and private cemeteries in California. Our mission is to advocate consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education, consistent interpretation and enforcement of the laws governing this industry.
Services
A person or entity that arranges for funeral services and handles the burial of a deceased individual. These individuals are licensed by the state to provide a dignified and respectful burial service for loved ones who have passed away. They also assist families with grieving and mourning processes. They are required to follow strict health related rules and regulations established by the Board of Embalming and Funeral Directing.
It is illegal for funeral homes to charge interest on an unpaid balance unless the amount of interest is disclosed at the time that the arrangements were made. They are also required to provide certified copies of the death certificate.
Low-income New York City residents can apply to receive financial assistance from the Office of Burial Services (OBS) to help cover funeral expenses for a deceased individual. Applicants must meet certain requirements, including submitting an original itemized funeral bill signed by the Funeral Director and notarized in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds.
Locations
People plan ahead for big purchases like homes, cars and education; a funeral or cremation should be no different. Planning ahead gives your family peace of mind and can help ease financial burdens. It is important to research the funeral bureaus and providers in your area. In New York, funeral firms must register with the NY State Department of Health and meet facility requirements to ensure safety and consumer protection. These facilities and their representatives file death certificates with the Office of Vital Records Burial Desk in Manhattan or Brooklyn. The Bureau does not regulate religious cemeteries, city or county cemeteries, cemetery districts or military and Native American tribal cemeteries.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses, investigates complaints and regulates 13 different licensing categories (funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers and apprentice embalmers, cemetery brokers/branch and additional, cemetery salespersons, crematories, hydrolysis facilities and crematory managers) and nearly 200 licensed private cemeteries in the State of California. The Bureau advocates for consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education and consistent interpretation and application of the laws governing the industry.
Pricing
A General Price List that includes the current prices (or range of prices) for all merchandise, services and facilities the funeral home offers. This document must be given to you at the beginning of your arrangement conference, and the funeral home cannot charge you more than the listed prices.
A casket price list that shows the retail cost of each casket or alternative container the funeral home sells, along with a description of each. Industry studies show that the average casket shopper buys one of the first three models shown, so funeral homes often start with their higher-priced caskets.
A listing of the services and merchandise that are routinely available as cash advances, with a statement in immediate conjunction to such a listing indicating that “services and merchandise provided as cash advance items will be billed at the same amount paid by the funeral firm.” This includes obituary notices, flowers, pallbearers, officiating clergy and organists and soloists.
Insurance
Funeral home insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O), can protect your business if a family sues for negligence. It usually combines liability and property coverage into one affordable policy. Premiums are based on factors like business size and the cost of services, merchandise, and cemetery costs. Women pay less for funeral insurance than men.
Burial or final expense life insurance policies are typically cheaper than traditional whole-life insurance because they have lower coverage amounts and simplified underwriting processes. For example, some funeral policies offer no medical exams, which is beneficial for older applicants who may be rejected for a more comprehensive life insurance policy.
Pre-need insurance is a popular way to plan and set aside funds for funeral expenses. It is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule and can be purchased from any licensed funeral director or establishment. The beneficiary of the policy receives the death benefit after a period of time that can be as short as 10 days or as long as 30 days.