Funeral Planning Checklist
A practical guide to help you navigate this difficult time
---Section 1: Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)
☐ Obtain legal pronouncement of death from doctor, coroner, or medical professional
☐ Contact close family and friends to inform them of the death
☐ Locate important documents:
- [ ] Will and testament
- [ ] Life insurance policies
- [ ] Social Security information
- [ ] Military discharge papers (DD-214) if applicable
- [ ] Bank accounts and financial documents
- [ ] Birth certificate and marriage certificate
☐ Choose a funeral home (call 2-3 for prices first — it's your legal right)
☐ Decide: burial or cremation?
☐ Contact the deceased's employer (if applicable) for benefits information
☐ Notify Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
☐ Contact life insurance companies to start claims process
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Section 2: Questions to Ask the Funeral Home
Price transparency is your legal right under the FTC Funeral Rule. Don't hesitate to ask:
☐ "Can I see your General Price List?" (They must provide this by law)
☐ "What is your basic services fee and what does it include?"
☐ "Is embalming required?" (Usually no — only required if body is transported across state lines)
☐ "Can I provide my own casket or urn?" (Yes, they cannot refuse this)
☐ "What are the cemetery fees, and are they separate from your charges?"
☐ "Do you offer direct cremation or immediate burial?" (Most affordable options)
☐ "Can you itemize all costs before I sign anything?"
☐ "What payment options do you accept?"
☐ "Do you offer payment plans?"
☐ "Are there any additional fees not listed on your price sheet?"
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Section 3: Costs to Expect (2026 Typical Ranges)
Funeral Home Services
- Basic services fee: $2,000 - $3,000
- Embalming: $500 - $900 (often not required)
- Viewing/visitation: $300 - $600
- Funeral ceremony: $400 - $800
- Hearse transportation: $300 - $500
- Casket: $1,000 - $10,000+ (you can buy elsewhere for less)
- Burial vault/grave liner: $800 - $2,500
- Cemetery plot: $1,000 - $4,000 (varies greatly by location)
- Opening/closing grave: $800 - $1,500
- Headstone/marker: $500 - $3,000+
- Direct cremation (no service): $800 - $2,500
- Cremation with service: $3,000 - $6,000
- Cremation casket/container: $100 - $1,500
- Urn: $50 - $500+
- Traditional burial: $7,000 - $12,000
- Cremation with service: $3,000 - $7,000
- Direct cremation: $800 - $2,500
Burial Costs
Cremation Costs
Total Typical Costs
Note: Prices vary significantly by region and provider. Always compare multiple funeral homes.
---Section 4: Your Legal Rights (FTC Funeral Rule)
You have the right to:
☐ Receive itemized price lists over the phone and in person
☐ Buy only the services and products you want (no required packages)
☐ Provide your own casket, urn, or burial container
☐ Choose direct cremation or immediate burial
☐ Be informed if embalming is not required by law
☐ Receive accurate information about legal requirements
☐ Have bodies transported without embalming in most cases
☐ Be told if a casket is required for direct cremation (usually not)
☐ Shop around and compare prices before deciding
Red flags to watch for:
☐ Pressure to buy expensive packages
☐ Claims that embalming is legally required (usually false)
☐ Refusal to provide prices over the phone
☐ "Required" items that aren't actually required
☐ Emotional manipulation or high-pressure sales tactics
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Section 5: Ways to Pay and Financial Resources
Insurance and Benefits
☐ Life insurance policies (contact insurers directly)
☐ Final expense or burial insurance
☐ Employer-sponsored life insurance
☐ Social Security death benefit ($255 for eligible spouses/children)
☐ Veterans benefits (up to $2,000+ burial allowance for eligible veterans)
☐ Union benefits or professional association coverage
Other Payment Options
☐ Funeral home payment plans (ask about interest rates)
☐ Personal loans or credit cards
☐ Family contributions or crowdfunding (GoFundMe, etc.)
☐ Religious or community organization assistance
☐ State or county assistance for indigent burials
☐ Prepaid funeral plans (if previously purchased)
Money-Saving Tips
☐ Compare at least 3 funeral homes
☐ Consider direct cremation or immediate burial
☐ Buy caskets from third-party retailers (Costco, online)
☐ Hold memorial services at churches, community centers, or homes
☐ Choose cremation over burial (typically $3,000+ less expensive)
☐ Decline unnecessary services (limousines, flowers, etc.)
☐ Ask about package deals vs. itemized pricing
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Section 6: Additional Considerations
After the Service
☐ Order death certificates (you'll need multiple copies)
☐ Contact banks and financial institutions
☐ Notify credit card companies
☐ Contact insurance companies (home, auto, etc.)
☐ Update beneficiaries on remaining accounts
☐ File for life insurance benefits
☐ Consider grief counseling resources
Important Reminders
☐ Take your time with decisions when possible
☐ Bring a trusted friend or family member for support
☐ Don't feel pressured to decide immediately
☐ Remember: the most expensive option is not necessarily the best
☐ Focus on what would honor your loved one's wishes
☐ It's okay to ask questions and shop around
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This checklist is provided for informational purposes. Laws and pricing vary by state and locality. For specific legal or financial advice, consult with appropriate professionals.
Need more help? Visit FuneralPriceGuide.com for detailed cost guides, pricing comparisons, and resources to help you make informed decisions during this difficult time.