Additional Resources For Funeral Expenses

SevenPonds recommends the following resources to help you plan ahead for final expenses.

National Organizations

Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) 

A national nonprofit dedicated to helping consumers plan an affordable, meaningful, and dignified funeral, the Funeral Consumers Alliance monitors the funeral industry and advocates on behalf of consumers with industry leaders and government entities.   FCA  affiliates across the U.S. are available to help you and your loved ones make informed choices about final disposition and which options are best for you. Find a local affiliate of the FCA by using this interactive map. You can also contact Sara Williams, FCA Director and former President, at sara@funerals.org.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The Federal Trade Commission is the federal agency tasked with regulating the funeral industry. In 1984, it established the Funeral Rule, a set of standards that outlines how a funeral provider must conduct business with potential clients. Its goal was to ensure that consumers get a fair deal when buying and paying for funeral services. To that end, the agency offers a free online resource as well as information about pre-paying for your or a loved one’s funeral. Additionally, it encourages consumers to report abuses by the industry to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

National Funeral Directors Association/Remembering A Life

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is a nonprofit that offers education and resources to approximately 20,000 funeral directors nationwide, providing them with the tools and resources they need to serve families and create meaningful tributes for loved ones. NFDA’s consumer education initiative, Remembering A Life, helps families better understand their choices for funerals and other services, connects them with certified funeral professionals dedicated to ethical service and community engagement, and helps families learn how they can remember loved ones in meaningful ways. Remembering a Life grief resources gently guide family members and friends on their grief journeys. You can contact NFDA online or call 262-789-1880.

Government & Public Benefits 

Department of Veterans Affairs – National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration provides comprehensive burial and memorial benefits for eligible veterans, their spouses, and qualifying family members. Resources include a pre-need eligibility application that takes less than 10 minutes to complete, helping families plan with confidence and potentially saving thousands of dollars. Benefits include burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, perpetual care of the gravesite, a United States burial flag, and military funeral honors. The NCA also maintains a library of downloadable information sheets, videos, and flyers to help veterans and their families better understand all available options. Families can contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

Social Security Administration – Lump-Sum Death Benefit

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 to help surviving spouses or eligible children cover immediate final expenses. While the amount has not changed since 1954 and is modest compared to today’s funeral costs, this benefit can help offset small funeral expenses or other immediate needs following a death. Families should be aware that this benefit is separate from ongoing monthly survivor benefits, which are designed to meet regular recurring costs. Information about eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Social Security Administration website.

Final Expense Insurance Leaders

AARP & New York Life

AARP offers a wide range of articles and tools related to advance planning, estate planning, caregiving, and end-of-life decision-making. For many readers, AARP is especially accessible because it explains practical topics in plain language and often addresses both emotional and financial concerns. Its planning guidance can complement the more industry-focused resources by helping readers think through paperwork, family communication, and cost preparation. Its life insurance program with New York Life is considered a definitive leader for seniors aged 50–80 looking for branded, trustworthy simplified-issue policies.

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha is consistently ranked as the overall top provider for final expense and burial insurance. They are highly regarded by financial planners for their transparent, competitive pricing and flexible underwriting for seniors. Backed by superior financial strength ratings, their permanent whole-life policies provide fixed premiums that are said to never increase and death benefits that will never decrease.