Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things you will ever go through. But what happens when you are grieving, and you suddenly realize you cannot afford to pay for their funeral?
This is a terrifying reality for thousands of families every year. With the average traditional funeral costing between $7,500 and $10,000, many people simply do not have the cash on hand. In this guide, we will explain exactly what happens when a family cannot afford a funeral, and what options are available to help.
The Reality of Unpaid Funeral Costs
When a person passes away, their body must be legally and safely handled. If the family cannot afford a funeral or cremation, the responsibility falls to the county or state government. Here is what typically happens:
- The Coroner Takes Custody: If the family refuses to claim the body because they cannot pay, the county coroner or medical examiner will take custody of the deceased.
- A “Pauper’s Funeral” or County Cremation: The county will arrange for the most basic, inexpensive disposition possible. In most cases today, this means a direct cremation. The county will pay for the cremation, but the family will not receive the ashes.
- No Service or Memorial: There will be no viewing, no funeral service, and no headstone. The deceased will be cremated or buried in a communal, unmarked grave (often called a “potter’s field”).
This is a heartbreaking outcome for any family. It denies them the chance to say goodbye properly and leaves them without a permanent place to visit their loved one.
If you want to see what final expense coverage you qualify for to prevent this, call now to speak with a licensed agent: 1-866-332-1427.
What This Means for You
If you do not have $10,000 saved up, your family will be forced to make impossible choices. They might have to drain their own savings, max out credit cards, or beg for money on GoFundMe. If they cannot raise the funds, they will have to surrender your body to the county.
This is why final expense insurance (also known as burial insurance) is so important. It is a small whole life insurance policy designed specifically to pay for your funeral. With a final expense policy, your family gets a cash payout quickly (usually within 24 to 48 hours), the money can be used for the funeral, cremation, or any other debts, and your monthly payment is locked in and will never go up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the government pay for my funeral?
No. The government does not pay for funerals. If you qualify, Social Security only pays a one-time death benefit of $255 to a surviving spouse or eligible child. This is not nearly enough to cover a cremation, let alone a funeral.
Can I get burial insurance if I am on a fixed income?
Yes. Final expense policies are designed for seniors on fixed incomes. You can choose a coverage amount that fits your budget, with policies starting as low as $15 to $30 a month.
What if I have health problems?
Most final expense policies do not require a medical exam. You only have to answer a few simple health questions. Even if you have serious health issues, there are “guaranteed issue” policies available where you cannot be turned down.
Protect Your Family Today
Do not leave your family with a $10,000 bill or force them to surrender your body to the county. Getting covered is easier and more affordable than you might think.
If you want to see what you qualify for, call now to speak with a licensed agent: 1-866-332-1427.