If you have an immediate or imminent need for a simple cremation service at a low cost, we can help you arrange everything for one low price.
Our attitudes to death and funerals are changing and many families are finding that cremation offers a more simple and affordable option. More families are deciding they just want a simple, “no fuss” option, one that can be delivered at a low cost.
A direct cremation package can help you arrange a low-cost funeral.
Direct cremation takes care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, and once the cremated remains are available, a memorial or ash-scattering service can be conducted.
When you can take care of everything for over one thousand dollars and are dealing with a family-owned funeral business, why should you pay more than this?
What is included in a Direct Cremation Package?
Call now at (706) 350-4737 for assistance with a direct cremation for $1,095.
A direct cremation service includes:
- Collection of the deceased from the place of death
- Transfer to the funeral facility*
- Shelter of the deceased
- Filing of death certificate and cremation permit
- The cremation process
- Return of the cremated remains in a temporary cremation urn
*an additional mileage fee can apply if outside our basic service area
Are there any extra costs added?
The only additional fees are county fees, which are subject to change and payable to the county to facilitate the cremation proceeding. At present, death certificate fees in Georgia are $25 for the first certificate and $5 for each additional copy.
Can we still have a funeral service if we arrange a direct cremation?
Yes, of course. You can arrange a memorial service once you have the cremated remains returned. A memorial service is a type of funeral service where the deceased’s body is not present. You can hold a memorial service with or without the cremation urn present. A memorial funeral service can also take the shape of an ash scattering ceremony, or a candlelit vigil or tribute. We have some useful resources to help you plan and make your own memorial tributes in our Memorialization section.
Comparing cremation costs in Columbus, GA
As cremation is becoming a popular choice for Columbus residents, several cremation service providers serve Muscogee County. The cost of a cremation can vary significantly for the exact same service, so it is wise to compare cremation prices between a few providers to ensure you are benefitting from a value-for-money cremation service package.
It is important to check that a direct cremation package includes everything.
How can you save money when arranging a cremation service?
A direct cremation is the most economical means of disposition there is. In Columbus, a direct cremation can be an affordable funeral option. If you need to keep funeral costs down, then a simple cremation arranged through a cremation provider is your lowest-cost cremation option in Columbus, GA. You can then arrange your own memorial services once you have the cremated remains returned. This significantly cuts down on funeral expenses.
What help is there with cremation costs?
If you qualify for Social Security, you may be entitled to a lump sum death benefit payment of $255. The funeral director will generally assist you with submitting the claim to Social Security. Of course, many people use life insurance policies to offset funeral costs, but with a direct cremation, the funeral provider will require payment upfront.
There is very limited public assistance support for funeral costs and this can vary by county. Check out Muscogee County Assistance Programs.
How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?
You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at Columbus Health Department, P.O. Box 2299, Columbus, GA 31902 Phone: (706) 321-6130
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.
As funeral directors are familiar with the process and the body is released with a death certificate and cremation permit, it is generally easy to maintain a low cost to offer a direct cremation service for an individual who has been in the care of the Medical Examiner.
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.
