Do you 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 when arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for just $1,395!
The average cost of a traditional funeral in Altoona is $6,005*, which does not include cemetery costs, so it is understandable that many families today are looking for more affordable alternatives. Cremation is now becoming the preferred, more affordable option to conduct a dignified yet simple funeral service at a fraction of the full cost of a traditional funeral.
Call (814) 204-2527 for assistance with a cremation.
Why choose cremation services?
Cremation offers an inexpensive and flexible alternative to a burial service. Choosing cremation services can save you 40% to 60% (or sometimes more) on the cost of traditional burial services. This is because a casket or embalming (unless required) is not required, and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault. Eliminating these just these few products and services saves thousands of dollars alone.
A cremation can offer a more flexible alternative to accommodate families who have moved from their home state or when a funeral cannot be held immediately. Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options, a whole array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities, and various cremation artifact products.
What kind of cremation service should I choose?
There are generally three types of cremation service options: a cremation funeral, where the funeral service is held with the deceased present, and a cremation is conducted after the service.
A cremation memorial is 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 cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.
How much does a cremation cost in Altoona?
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. The average cost of a cremation memorial service is $2,961*, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent.
The average cost of a direct cremation is $1,780*, although DFS Memorials offers a direct cremation package for just $1,395.
Direct cremation services in Altoona, PA
If you are working to a budget for your funeral expenses, you may wish to consider a direct cremation. This 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 container, and then the cremated remains are made available for the family or collection (or, if requested, delivered/mailed). A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone without visiting a funeral home. For your best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in Altoona at (814) 204-2527, who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $1,395.
How do I choose a cremation services provider?
When there are several funeral homes to choose from, this can sometimes be a daunting task. It may help to set some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. The 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 recommend that you compare some costs before making a decision.
Comparing cremation costs in Altoona, PA
All funeral homes 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 information on cremation price, either in person or by phone.
According to funeral price research surveys in Altoona, the average cost of a direct cremation is $1,780*, although some cremation providers offer direct cremations for less than this. DFS Memorials offers a direct cremation service for $1,395.
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? Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first certificate and $5 for each additional death certificate required. You should also note that the county coroner may charge a fee if they are required to sign the death certificate.
What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Altoona?
If you are considering cremation, you need to be aware of a few legal requirements. First, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.
Pennsylvania has a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before the cremation can proceed. Before a cremation can go ahead, 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.
Death certificates and permits are considered ‘cash advance’ items and are not generally included in a quoted cremation price. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.
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.
A pre-arranged direct cremation plan can be preplanned at a low cost to ensure your family does not have the burden of worrying about funeral costs.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
As I mentioned earlier, there is versatility in 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?
Sadly, there is little financial aid that supports those families who find themselves struggling with funeral costs. Most counties do have a budget for indigent funerals, but this is generally for those individuals who truly are indigent.
Some counties do have limited funds to help low-income families with cremation costs, but this can vary county by county. You would need to make inquiries with Blair County Human Services Department at 1430 DeKalb Street, PO Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311 Phone: (610) 278-5117 to find out if any assistance is available to you.
In these cases, the most basic funeral services will often be supported, with limited control over what happens. A low-cost direct cremation from DFS Memorials can be arranged for $1,395.
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in Altoona. This refers 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!
How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?
You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at 301 Main Street, Towanda, PA 18848. Phone: (570) 265-1702
What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?
If circumstances surrounding the death led to the deceased being taken to the County Coroner’s office, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to liaise with the Coroner and have the body released into their care. Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the Coroner’s morgue.
Blair County Coroner, 1414 4th Street Altoona PA 16601 Phone: (814) 940-5938
Hopefully, this short guide to arranging an affordable cremation service in Altoona has answered some of your questions and helped you understand how to save costs on a cremation. If you want to read more about cremation planning, please visit our Resources Section or the Funeral Resources on US Funerals Online.
*Prices obtained from online funeral price comparison survey 2024
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past fifteen years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.
