More families in Pennsylvania are turning to cremation as an alternative to burial. We have put together this guide to arranging a cremation and cremation costs in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley area to help families inform themselves of the available options.
What is the average cost of a cremation with a service in Allentown?
This is a common question that brings many families to our website today. A lot of families choose to use the tool and anonymity of the Internet to check out the costs for cremation without having to call numerous funeral homes in Allentown.
The issue is that quoting an ‘average’ cremation cost may not reflect an exact cost. Cremation costs can vary, and when prices for the same service can range between $1,000 and $3,000, an average price is just that…average!
What is the cost of direct cremation services in Allentown?
The costs for a direct cremation vary considerably, depending upon which funeral services provider you select. A direct cremation is the least expensive cremation option available. It is sometimes referred to as a basic or simple cremation. A direct cremation is when the funeral home merely collects the deceased and performs the cremation, with no services involved.
A basic container is used for the cremation process, and the cremated remains are generally returned in a temporary urn. This helps to keep the costs down significantly. A family can, if they choose, add on services or merchandise. You can opt to purchase a different urn or arrange a short family viewing before the cremation.
This would add costs to any direct cremation package. Direct cremation services in Allentown range between $1,495 and $2,500. Many families arrange a direct cremation with a local funeral provider and then conduct their own memorial services.
How can you compare cremation costs in Allentown?
You can compare the cost of cremation services in Allentown by comparing the same cremation service package from a selection of different funeral service providers. You will find that the price for the exact same service will differ. All funeral homes (by law) must provide you with a General Price List (GPL) if you request it and should disclose prices to you over the phone.
DFS Memorials offers an affordable cremation in Allentown for $1,495.
What is the cost of cremation memorial services in Allentown?
A cremation with a service will cost more than a direct cremation, but how much can depend upon the type of service you arrange, i.e., graveside, chapel, life celebration, or memorial service. If the cremation element replaces the burial, and a full-service traditional funeral is held, the funeral cost will be in the region of $3,000.
How can you ensure you are selecting an affordable cremation services provider?
Comparing cremation prices for the same services is one way to ensure you select an affordable cremation provider.
Not all families want the hassle or emotional stress of making multiple inquiries to find out prices, especially when they have just had news of the death of a loved one.
This is where DFS Memorials aims to take that stress away from families. We have partnered with the best value, affordable cremation services provider in the Allentown area to direct you immediately to low-cost cremation services.
Is there any financial assistance towards cremation costs in Allentown?
There is the lump sum Social Security death benefit of $255 if you qualify, plus veterans qualify for benefits such as a free cemetery plot/niche and a grave marker. Regarding financial assistance, each state has its own indigent burial assistance program, but this is generally to cover the funeral costs for those indigents that become the state’s responsibility.
To inquire if you qualify for any financial assistance with cremation costs, you need to contact your local county, Social or Human Services. Sometimes, limited funds are available for those on welfare or low income.
Can I preplan a simple cremation in Allentown?
Yes, a simple cremation plan can be purchased on a pre-need contract from a funeral home. However, the low cremation prices we have quoted above are ‘at need’ prices, and a cremation plan (even a basic one) will cost more than this. This all depends upon how it is financed and your age when the plan is set up. You would need to consult your local provider for more information.
You can put the required funeral funds away in a Totten Trust or POD account, document your wishes/intentions, and then the surviving family can easily access the monies when paying for a simple cremation service. This is considered, by many consumer watchdog groups, a safe and convenient way to preplan a cremation funeral.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of how to go about arranging an inexpensive cremation in Allentown. If we can assist your family in making funeral cremation arrangements, please feel free to contact us.
The DFS Memorials provider service area for Allentown includes Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton counties and the municipalities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Easton, Emmaus, Hanover Township, Lower Macungie Township, Northampton, North Whitehall Township, Palmer Township, Salisbury Township, South Whitehall Township, Upper Macungie Township, Upper Saucon Township & Whitehall Township.
Sara Marsden-Ille is a writer and researcher specialising in the death care industry. With more than 15 years covering end-of-life services, funeral trends, and consumer funeral planning, she writes for DFS Memorials and US Funerals Online to help families make informed decisions.
