Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this guide to help you understand how you can save thousands of dollars in arranging a funeral in Worcester. In fact, you can arrange a simple and dignified direct cremation for just $1,395.
Why choose cremation services?
Cremation offers an inexpensive and versatile alternative to a burial service. Opting for cremation services can save you 40% to 60% (or sometimes more) on the cost of traditional burial services. No casket is required, or embalming (unless required) and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault. Eliminating these products and services saves thousands of dollars.
A cremation can offer a more flexible alternative that can accommodate families who have moved from their home state, or when a funeral cannot be held straight away. Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options with a whole array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities, and various cremation artifact products.
What different cremation alternatives do I have?
There are various options for cremation services. You can choose to have a cremation without any ceremony or services or have a full traditional funeral followed by a cremation. A cremation funeral – where the funeral service is held with the deceased present and a cremation is conducted after the service. A cremation memorial – where the cremation is conducted before a memorial service is held. This can be with, or without, the cremated remains present and can often take the form of an ash scattering ceremony. Or there is a direct cremation – this is where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains are given back to the family. There are some variances around these 3 main options, such as a private viewing before the cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.
How much does a cremation cost in Worcester?
The cost of a cremation can vary considerably. This will depend upon the type of cremation service you opt for and the cremation services provider you select. A full-service cremation with a service will cost in the region of $3,000 – $5,000, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent. Direct cremation will cost between $1,395 and $2,700 (depending on the funeral home used).
Direct cremation services in Worcester, MA
If you are working to a budget for your funeral expenses, you may wish to consider a direct cremation. A direct cremation is the cheapest cremation option. The funeral services provider does everything to take care of the immediate disposition of the deceased but no viewing or services are held. The deceased is cremated in a simple cremation container and then the cremated remains are made available for the family or collect (or if requested delivered or mailed). A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone without any need for you to visit a funeral home.
How do I choose a cremation services provider?
This can sometimes be a daunting task when there are several funeral homes to choose between. It may help to set yourself some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. Which funeral services provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer, or what budget you have.
As we have highlighted, costs can vary quite significantly between funeral homes for the exact same service. For this reason, we would recommend you compare some costs before making a decision.
How do cremation costs compare in Worcester, MA
All funeral homes in Worcester have a general price list (GPL) and this should itemize all services and charges. Legally a funeral home must provide you with a copy of their GPL if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.
When comparing costs and services check what IS included, especially with a budget direct cremation package. Is a copy of the death certificate included? Is the cremation permit an additional cash advance item or included? What about if an out-of-hours collection is required? Is there an additional daily refrigeration charge if the cremation does not proceed after 48-hours? A death certificate costs $31.00 each.
What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Worcester, MA?
There are a few legal requirements that you need to be aware of if you are considering cremation. Firstly, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.
In Massachusetts, there is no specified mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can proceed, however, before a cremation can proceed the doctor must sign and fill out the cause of death, and the county health department must issue a permit to cremate. The deceased will be refrigerated during this period, and longer if required, however, you should be aware that many cremation packages will only include refrigeration for up to 5 days and will charge you a daily rate thereon.
Can I preplan a cremation?
Yes, you can prearrange a cremation. Advance planning can help to ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and can save the surviving family the financial and emotional burden at the time of death. There are various options open to you to plan ahead so consult with your preferred services provider.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
As I mentioned earlier there is a versatility on what you can do with cremated remains. You can inter a cremation urn in a cemetery plot or niche, keep an urn at home, scatter the remains or create a cremation artifact such as a cremation diamond, glass paperweight, bird bath or memorial reef ball to name but a few!
The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?
In Massachusetts, MassHealth does have a program to assist residents who are recipients of state benefits with funeral expenses. Assistance is available from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and funds up to $1,100 can be paid direct to the funeral home. In these cases often the most basic of funeral services will be supported, with limited control over what happens. A low-cost direct cremation from a budget provider can be arranged for $1,395.
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in Massachusetts. This is referring to whole body donation whereby after the donation is complete the remains are cremated (free of charge) and then returned to the family or scattered. Generally, funeral homes can get a referral fee from the whole body donation organization, plus they sometimes charge a transportation fee. So all-in-all they do still recoup their costs. As we all know, there really is nothing that is truly free!
