Cremation services in Richland, WA, though mostly affordable, can get pretty pricey, even for just the basic cremation. This is especially true as most packages don’t include a service or memorial. With the cost of cremation getting so high, it’s no wonder that people are looking for help to pay for them.
Don’t worry, though, as there are many ways you can bring down the cost of cremation services. For example, you can try preplanning. Check the deceased’s papers and information to see if they made any plans to help pay for their cremation. They might have put in place things such as prepaying programs, funeral insurance, life insurance, or payable-on-death bank accounts.
You can also look into fund raising. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your community, neighborhood, friends or other family. You’d be surprised how quickly people will chip in. Get creative with fund raising like car washes or bake sales, church groups or donations, memorial funds at the deceased’s workplace or bank, or crowd funding websites like GoFundMe.com or GiveForward.com. Social media is also a great tool to make your need known and get more people involved. Don’t be afraid to share any fund raising or write posts about your need.
Don’t forget to look into government assistance. Local, state and even federal government programs can help pay for funerals and cremations. Check with your local social service, county treasurer, or public fiduciary to see if any systems are in place. These programs have varying requirements, especially since local government budgets are tight, and they are making such programs more difficult to qualify for. Be sure to double check that you are eligible. The Social Security Administration can also provide assistance. Call to report a death and you may be eligible for a lump sum of $225 or other survivor benefits. Other federal programs that can help include Medicare, Medicaid, The Bureau of Indian Affairs, The Railroad Retirement Board, and the Veteran’s Administration.
If you still can’t get enough funding, there are tons of low-cost funeral and cremation options you can choose from, including:
- Memorial service at home or a community center
- Pot-luck food for the service
- Service at a church or other religious establishment
- Body donation to a medical school or other organization (Science Care is the world’s largest body donor program)
- Direct cremation
- Burial on family land or a family plot
It’s important to keep in mind that there is no shame in asking for help paying for a cremation or other death-related service, as everyone needs help now and again. If you want more tips on how to save money on a cremation, or would like to learn more about your Richland, WA cremation service options, Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation is here for you. We offer a wide range of services designed to help you through your loss, including many low-cost packages for cremations. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more.
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