How to Arrange a Free Cremation
Cremation is an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to avoid costly funerary services. Though cremation stands as one of the least expensive methods of disposition, it still comes with a hefty pricetag for most families. Fortunately, there are options available for those looking for free cremation services. This guide will explain how to arrange a free cremation with the help of public and private organizations.
How much do cremations usually cost?
Cremations typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000. However, the cost of cremation services can vary widely depending on the service provider's location and other factors such as whether a viewing is requested or if any additional services are included in the price. If you're looking for the cheapest possible cremation (but still want to work with a funeral home or cremation provider), you should be searching for what's known as a "direct cremation".
Direct cremations can cost as little as $600, depending on the area where you live and do not include a viewing or other services.
Can anyone donate a body to science?
Most donation organizations have criteria for accepting donated bodies and will not accept body donations from those who have certain illnesses or died of certain causes. These illnesses or diagnoses typically include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, sepsis, and other contagious diseases. It's important to contact the donation organization directly to find out if the deceased is eligible for donating their body.
Free cremation for low-income individuals
The availability of free cremation services for low-income individuals can vary by location and may depend on a number of factors, such as age, disability, or veteran status. Here are a few options to consider:
- County or city programs: Some counties and cities have programs that provide free or low-cost burial or cremation services for indigent residents who meet certain income and eligibility criteria. Contact your local government or social services agency to inquire about available programs in your area.
- Nonprofit organizations: There are several nonprofit organizations that provide assistance with funeral expenses for low-income individuals and families. Some examples include the Final Farewell Project, Modest Needs, and the Funeral Consumers Alliance. These organizations may offer financial assistance or connect you with resources in your area.
- Medicaid: Depending on your state's policies, Medicaid may cover some or all of the cost of funeral expenses for individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid at the time of their death. Contact your state's Medicaid office to inquire about available benefits.
- Funeral homes: Some funeral homes offer free or reduced-cost services for low-income individuals. It's worth contacting funeral homes in your area to inquire about their policies and any available programs.
If you or a loved one is facing financial hardship and needs assistance with funeral expenses, setting up a memorial website is an easy way to get help quickly.. Memorial fundraisers allow friends and family to contribute towards the cost of a funeral, easing the financial burden on the bereaved. Setting up a memorial fundraiser on Ever Loved is simple, secure, and free.
Do veterans get free cremation?
Veterans have the ability to apply for free cremation services through the Veterans Administration (VA). The VA benefits program covers funeral expenses, including cremation costs, for eligible veterans and their dependents. To find out if you're eligible, contact your local VA office or visit the VA website to learn more about available benefits.
The VA provides burial benefits to eligible veterans, including a free burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-provided headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. In some cases, the VA may also provide reimbursement for cremation expenses. To be eligible for these benefits, the veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meet certain other criteria. You can contact the VA's National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to learn more about burial benefits.
These programs may have limited availability and may not cover all funeral expenses. If you're a veteran or a family member of a veteran, it's a good idea to plan ahead and consider options for covering funeral costs, especially if your family cannot afford to pay the costs upfront (and have them reimbursed down the line).
Free cremation for babies, infants and children
Losing a child is a heartbreaking experience, and it can be difficult to think about the practicalities of arranging a funeral. However, there are organizations and programs that offer free cremation services for babies and infants. Here are a few options to consider:
- Local funeral homes: Some funeral homes offer free or reduced-cost funeral services for babies and infants. It's worth contacting funeral homes in your area to inquire about their policies and any available programs.
- Nonprofit organizations: There are several nonprofit organizations that provide assistance with funeral expenses for families who have lost a child. Some examples include the TEARS Foundation, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, and Angels Above Baby Gowns. These organizations may offer financial assistance or free cremation services.
- Local hospitals: Some hospitals have programs in place to help families who have lost a child. Contact the hospital where your baby was born or where they received care to inquire about available resources.
- County or city programs: Some counties and cities have programs that provide free or low-cost burial or cremation services for indigent residents. Eligibility and availability can vary by location, so it's worth contacting your local government to inquire about available programs.
Whichever choice you make regarding cremation or burial, there are resources and organizations available to provide support and assistance during this difficult time.
Free cremation for most individuals
Donating a body to science is one way to arrange a free cremation for almost anyone. It allows people to make an important contribution to medical research and education that will benefit future generations, while also avoiding the price associated with a traditional cremation. Donating a body to a whole body donation organization is often entirely free for the family, who receives the decedent's cremains at the end of the process. It's important to note that those who donate a body to science are not guaranteed an absolutely free cremation. It's typically free to the family, but it's important that you check with the organization you've chosen to make sure there aren't any unexpected fees.
Here's how to donate a body to science:
- Contact whole body donation organizations in your area, as well as national ones, to find out which ones are accepting donations and what their requirements are. (You can do this by searching online for terms like "free cremation near me" or by using Ever Loved's helpful database of whole body donation organizations.)
- Fill out the necessary paperwork with the donating organization and provide them with the consent of the deceased's family members or next-of-kin.
- Work with the organization to arrange transportation of the body.
- Depending on the organization, receive the cremains at the end of the process, typically after a few weeks. Some organizations do not return the cremains, so you’ll want to make sure you cover this when contacting them initially.
The cremation and scientific research process of donating a body to science typically takes 4-6 weeks, so it's important to keep this timeframe in mind when considering this option.
No one should have to struggle financially during a time of grief and loss -- if you're unable to qualify for a free cremation under any of these provided options or don’t feel that they’re the right fit, it may be time to look into a fundraiser. If you or someone you know is facing financial hardship due to funeral expenses, setting up a memorial fundraiser on Ever Loved can be an easy way to get help fast. With its secure platform and free setup process, creating a memorial fund has never been simpler.
