Can’t Afford a Funeral? Six Ways to Get the Funds You Need

life insurance to pay for funeral

If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t afford a funeral, it's important to know that help is available.

 

The passing of a loved one can cause great financial hardship for surviving family members. An elaborate final farewell may be your preference, but it may not be realistic for your budget. If you need to pay for a funeral and have little or no money for the expenses, you are not alone. The situation is common but fortunately, options do exist.

 

If you can’t afford a funeral for your departed loved one, please read on to discover six ways that you may be able to get the financial assistance you need.

 

1. Life insurance may cover some or most of the expenses.

 

See if the departed carried a life insurance policy. This could be a policy provided through their employer or one they bought independently. If such a policy exists, call the insurance company to speak with someone who can review the details of the policy with you. Ask which funeral and burial expenses are covered and which aren’t. You may find that the life insurance policy covers at least a portion of the funeral costs.

 

2.. Ask for help.

 

Reach out to trusted family and friends about your situation. Research the costs of the casket, funeral services, and burial so you can give them a good idea of what is needed in terms of financial support. Crowd-sourcing for donations online has become a popular trend. Small donations from those in your loved one’s church community, neighbors, friends, and relatives can add up and help you to cover costs.

 

3. Seek out a bank loan.

 

If you have good credit, you may be able to work with your bank or credit union to secure a personal loan. This will enable you to host the funeral now and pay it off later. It’s advisable to go this route rather than taking out a cash advance from your credit card, which can carry very high interest rates.

4. Research economical options.

 

Keep in mind that how much you spend on the funeral does not correlate to the person’s worth or the size of your love for them. There are a variety of ways for you to be creative without cheapening the service. The cost varies greatly and there are many options to choose from, such as a full/traditional service, graveside service, direct cremation, memorial service, or celebration of life, among others. You can keep the costs down by opting for a green burial which does not require embalming; choosing cremation; considering a whole-body donation; or selecting an affordable casket or urn.

 

5. Look into funeral assistance programs.

 

Many local, state, and national organizations offer funeral assistance programs to help individuals in need. These programs are often available through charitable organizations, churches, or government agencies, and may cover part or all the funeral expenses. Research into what programs are available in your area and apply as soon as possible.

 

6. Contact your county coroner’s office.

 

If you can’t afford burial services, your county coroner’s office should be able to help with a state cremation or burial. You will be required to sign legal paperwork stating that you cannot afford the associated costs of these services. They will then cover the costs for a simple burial or cremation. In cases of cremation, you may be given the option to reclaim the ashes of your loved one for a fee.

 

If you can’t afford a funeral with all the bells and whistles, the smart choice is to do some research and select only the options that suit your budget. Above all, remember that your love for the departed is not measured by much you spend on their funeral service.

 

If you would like to discuss your options in greater detail or would like to plan your funeral in advance, please contact us. Our knowledgeable, caring professionals are always available to answer your questions and provide compassionate guidance.

About Evan W. Smith Funeral Services: Since 2009, residents of Wilmington, Dover, and the surrounding Delaware community have relied on the caring staff at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services to help them through their darkest hours. Family-owned and operated, the company offers an array of elite funeral care services, including traditional funerals, cremations, memorials, pre-planning, grief counseling, and more. With decades of experience in caring for families from all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life, Evan W. Smith Funeral Services is committed to creating memorable, uplifting experiences that always exceed expectations. For more information, please visit www.ewsmithfs.com.

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