While cremation services in Jacksonville, FL often cost less than other kinds of funeral or final disposition services, they can still get pretty pricey. This even includes just the basic cremation and often doesn’t even count any extra money for a service or memorial. What are the options for families that can’t afford these services?
It’s important to note that there is no shame in asking for help paying for a cremation or other death-related service, as everyone needs help now and again. Also, there are many ways you can help ease the cost of a cremation service. For example, preplanning can go a long way towards easing the cost of cremation. Check the deceased’s papers and information to see if they made any plans to help pay for their cremation. They might have put in place things such as prepaying programs, funeral insurance, life insurance, and payable-on-death bank accounts.
There’s also fund raising and government assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your community, neighborhood, friends or other family. You’d be surprised how quickly people will chip in. Get creative with fund raising like car washes or bake sales, church groups or donations, memorial funds at the deceased’s workplace or bank, as well as crowd funding websites like GoFundMe.com or GiveForward.com. Social media is also a great tool to make your need known and get more people involved. Don’t be afraid to share any fund raising, or write posts about your need. Local, state and even federal government programs can help pay for funerals and cremations. Check with your local social service, county treasurer, or public fiduciary to see if any systems are in place. These programs have varying requirements, especially since local government budgets are tight, and they are making such programs more difficult to qualify for. Be sure to double check that you are eligible.
The Social Security Administration can also provide assistance. Call to report a death and you may be eligible for a lump sum of $225 or other survivor benefits. Other federal programs that can help include:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- The Bureau of Indian Affairs
- The Railroad Retirement Board
- Veteran’s Administration
Finally, if you still can’t get enough funding, there are tons of low-cost funeral and cremation options you can choose from, including:
- Memorial service at home or a community center
- Pot-luck food for the service
- Service at a church or other religious establishment
- Body donation to a medical school or other organization (Science Care is the world’s largest body donor program)
- Direct cremation
- Burial on family land or a family plot
Schnauss North East Florida Funeral Home and Cremation Services is here to help if you want more tips on how to save money on a cremation or would like to learn more about your Jacksonville, FL cremation service options. We’re honored to do whatever we can to help you in your time of loss or of preplanning. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call today.
