Your Funeral-Planning Checklist
Print this page and keep it with your important papers. It works for preplanning for yourself or planning after a loss.
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Caring Senior Plans — Family Funeral-Planning Checklist
· Prepared
· Prepared
1. Compare real prices first
- Call at least two or three funeral homes and ask for prices over the phone — the FTC Funeral Rule says they must give you accurate price information on request.
- Visit in person if you can and ask for the itemized General Price List (GPL) — you're entitled to it, and you don't have to give your name or set up a visit first.
- Ask the cemetery for its price list too — plots, grave opening and closing, vaults or grave liners, and markers are usually charged separately from the funeral home's prices.
- Ask what a direct burial or direct cremation costs (without a ceremony) — simplest options are often much less.
- Write the prices down and compare line by line, not just the package total.
- You may choose individual items — no one can require you to buy a package or pay a fee for items you don't want.
2. Gather the key documents
- Will or trust documents, and the executor's contact information.
- Life insurance policy numbers and the insurer's phone number.
- Bank account information the family will use to pay final costs.
- Deed or paperwork for any burial plot already owned.
- If a veteran or veteran's spouse: military discharge papers (DD-214) — ask about veterans' burial benefits.
- Social Security number of the deceased (for benefits notifications).
3. If you're planning ahead (preplanning)
- Decide burial vs. cremation, and whether you want a viewing or service — write your wishes down.
- Share your wishes with the family member who will handle arrangements.
- If you're considering prepaying: ask exactly what is covered, what happens if prices change, and whether the plan is refundable or transferable if you move.
- Ask how payments are protected (state rules vary — some states require trusts or insurance for preneed funds).
- Keep all paperwork where family can find it, and tell them where it is.
4. Check benefits that may help
- Veterans: ask the funeral home or VA about burial benefits, a grave marker, and burial in a veterans cemetery.
- Union, fraternal, church, or employer benefits — many offer death benefits people forget about.
- If finances are very limited, ask the county or state about burial assistance programs.
- Check any existing life insurance — including old policies from employers or organizations.
5. If a gap remains, consider your options
- Estimate the gap between expected costs and money available (this planner's Step 3 does the math).
- Ask a licensed agent to explain final expense insurance in plain language — including what it costs at your age and health, with no obligation.
- Never feel pressured to decide on the spot. Legitimate professionals will give you time.
Notes. This checklist is general educational information, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Cost figures in the planner are national medians (NFDA, 2023) — estimates only, not guaranteed prices. Funeral rules referenced are from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule. State laws on preplanning and prepayment vary — ask your state's consumer protection office if you have questions.