Arrange funeral, burial, or cremation, follow written wishes if available and review any prepaid funeral or cemetery contracts
A funeral home, cremation provider, or the cemetery where they already hold a plot. If they were a veteran, the VA and national cemeteries offer burial benefits.
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
A funeral home, cremation provider, or the cemetery where they already hold a plot. If they were a veteran, the VA and national cemeteries offer burial benefits.
How
Look for a prepaid funeral contract, a cemetery deed, or written wishes before you commit to a provider.
Ask for the itemized price list, which funeral homes must give you under the FTC Funeral Rule, and compare two or three providers.
Ask about direct cremation if cost is a concern, it is substantially cheaper than a traditional service.
If they served in the military, ask the funeral home to apply for VA burial benefits, which can include the plot, marker, and a burial allowance.
What to bring
Their full legal name, date and place of birth, and Social Security number
Their parents' names, including the mother's maiden name
Any prepaid funeral or cemetery contract
Discharge papers, form DD214, if they were a veteran
Timing
Most funeral homes want to take the body into their care within 24 hours. Services usually follow within 3 to 10 days.
Sources
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.