As the way that we search for and compare products and services continues to adapt to the ever-evolving world introduced by the invention of the internet, more families are turning to online sources to search for and compare funeral services.
Whereas in the past, one would simply choose their local funeral service provider, now we are more inclined to search for the most affordable option. This guide aims to simplify the process and provide you with a better idea of funeral and cremation costs in the Kansas City Metropolitan area, as well as other funeral considerations and legal requirements.
A direct cremation CAN be arranged in Kansas City for just $845.
So, what is the average cost of a funeral service in Kansas City?
A traditional funeral service will always cost more than a cremation service and will set you back thousands regardless of the funeral home used. According to a recent survey, a traditional funeral service will cost an average of $8,050 in the Kansas City Metropolitan area but can cost anything from $5,905 to $20,475.
By arranging a cremation service, you can save anything from 40% to 60% on the cost of a traditional funeral service. A direct cremation is by far your most ‘economical’ option and WILL save you thousands in funeral costs.
How much can you save by arranging a cremation?
As mentioned above, a direct cremation is your most affordable final disposition arrangement. However, a cremation with a memorial service will still cost significantly less than a traditional funeral. For example, a recent survey put the average cost of a cremation with memorial service in the Kansas City Metropolitan area at $6,644. But it can cost as little as $4,570 or as much as $19,300.
So, what is my most affordable cremation option?
If you want even bigger savings when arranging a funeral or cremation, you can arrange a direct cremation for as little as $845 in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Call (913) 210-0212 now to speak to the DFS Memorials provider for Kansas City and arrange or pre-plan a direct cremation at this price point.
For comparison, the average cost of a direct cremation in Kansas City is $1,762, according to a recent survey*.
Direct cremation is the industry’s term for a simple or basic cremation service, where only the cremation is carried out, and the cremated remains are returned in a basic cremation container. No funeral or memorial service is carried out, the deceased is simply collected, cremated and the ashes are returned to the family afterwards.
If you so wish, you can carry out your own memorial service at your chosen place or even your own home. This will help you save money on what can otherwise be a very costly funeral service. As a bonus, you can have a personal send-off by your design.
Are there any additional fees added to a low-cost direct cremation package?
Death certificates are considered a third-party expense, as they are issued by the county, and will cost $14.00 for the first copy/ $11.00 for each additional copy.
There may also be an additional cost if the deceased is over 25 miles from the funeral home if the deceased is over 250lb, or for pacemaker removal.
What are the laws for scattering ashes in Kansas or Missouri?
Ash scattering has become a more common way of commemorating a loved-one, and in many cases replaces a traditional memorial service as a way of having a send-off. There are endless options for how or where to scatter ashes, and you do not need a permit to scatter ashes on public land. You should, however, seek permission if you wish to scatter ashes on private land unless it is your own.
It is generally a good idea to keep a small portion of the ashes if you do plan to scatter them, as once they are gone, they are gone.
To read more about ash scattering and your options, even some that are outside the box, visit this post.
Can I pre-plan a direct cremation in Kansas City?
Yes, you can pre-arrange a direct cremation in Kansas City. Pre-arranging and pre-paying for a cremation can give you and your family piece of mind and make the whole process easier for everyone by removing a lot of the financial and emotional burden at the time of death.
There are various options to pre-plan/ pre-pay, to find out more visit this post on pre-planning or speak to your local provider at (913) 210-0212.
Is there any help with cremation costs if the deceased had no life insurance?
Unfortunately, there is very little in the way of financial support when it comes to paying for a funeral or cremation. There is a $255 lump-sum Social Security death benefit payment if the deceased qualifies, and your funeral director can help you claim this. So, you may find that a low-cost cremation at $845 with DFS Memorials is a dignified, yet affordable, disposition alternative if your family is struggling financially.
Can I arrange a “no-cost cremation”?
A no-cost cremation refers to a whole-body donation, after the donation is complete the remains are cremated (free of charge) and then returned to the family. Kansas City University has a Gift Body Program if you want to donate your body to science in Kansas City. You can download the forms here. Alternatively, you can contact them at:
KCU Department of Anatomy
1750 Independence Avenue
Kansas City, Mo., 64106
816-654-7533
800-234-4847
[email protected]
How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?
The funeral director will generally apply for a death certificate for you and ask you how many copies you require. However, if you need to apply for a copy yourself, you can do so through Vital Records. You can apply in person ($14 first copy/ $11 each additional copy), by mail ($14 first copy/ $11 each additional copy), or online/ by phone ($25.25 – $44.25 per copy). For more information, visit this page.
What happens if the deceased is at the Medical Examiners?
If the circumstances surrounding the death required that the deceased was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office, you will need to enlist the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to have the body released into their care. Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the coroner’s morgue. If you need to contact the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, you can reach them at (816) 881-6600. Alternatively, they can be found at:
Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office
950 E 21st St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.
