Low Cost Funeral Arrangements Additional Resources
SevenPonds recommends the following resources to our clients who wish to learn more about making low cost funeral arrangements.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “Funeral Rule”
The Funeral Rule is a federal law that serves as your strongest consumer shield when dealing with the death care industry. It legally compels funeral providers to give you an itemized General Price List (GPL) upfront, preventing them from hiding fees or forcing you into bundled packages. Crucially, it prohibits funeral homes from charging you a handling fee if you choose to buy an affordable casket from an outside retailer like Costco or an online provider.
Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)
The Funeral Consumers Alliance is the only national, independent non-profit watchdog group dedicated to protecting a consumer’s right to a fair and affordable funeral. The organization tracks industry trends, exposes predatory pricing schemes, and publishes free, state-by-state price comparison surveys. By teaching families exactly how to negotiate with funeral directors, the FCA helps grieving relatives avoid taking on devastating, unnecessary debt.
The Green Burial Council
As a environmental and consumer advocacy group, the Green Burial Council sets the national certification standards for eco-friendly, natural burial grounds. Because green burials forbid the use of expensive cosmetic embalming fluids, concrete grave vaults, and elaborate hardwood caskets, they are inherently far cheaper than traditional modern burials. The council provides direct public directories of certified cemeteries that allow families to return their loved ones directly to the earth in simple, cost-effective shrouds or wicker baskets.
Home Funeral Alliance
The Home Funeral Alliance empowers families to legally reclaim the practice of caring for their own dead at home. They provide educational resources and a directory to help families and communities. A home funeral can be an ideal option for those who are seeking an affordable and more personalized approach to honoring someone who has died.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive end-of-life assistance to honorably discharged veterans and, in many cases, their eligible spouses. This benefit guarantees a free burial plot in a designated national cemetery, along with a government-provided headstone, perpetual grave care, and a ceremonial presentation flag. Additionally, depending on the veteran’s service-related history, the VA may provide direct monetary allowances ranging from several hundred to a few thousand dollars to help cover external funeral costs.