FAQ’s
General Cremation Services FAQ
How much do cremation services in Philadelphia cost?
Cremation prices in Philadelphia range from around $1,000 to $2,500 and over, depending on the services selected. At the Philadelphia Cremation Society, we offer several packages that represent the best pricing and value – view our Pricing page for details. We welcome families to contact us to create a custom service – please call us at (610) 572-7078 to discuss your needs and get a price quote for your Philadelphia cremation services.
Can I plan a funeral along with my Philadelphia cremation services?
Selecting a Philadelphia cremation does not prevent you from having a funeral or memorial service along with the cremation. You can have a funeral prior to the cremation, or you can schedule a memorial service at a more convenient time after the cremation is complete. Call us at (610) 572-7078 to talk with us about your needs.
Do veterans get a discount on Philadelphia cremation costs?
The Philadelphia Cremation Society works with families to ensure veterans get all of the benefits for which they qualify, but we do not offer special cremation prices for veterans. However, we do offer several low-cost pricing plans to choose from – visit our Pricing page for more information.
How do I get the Veteran’s death benefit or Social Security benefits when I plan cremation in Philadelphia?
When you plan your cremation with Philadelphia Cremation Society, we’ll help you complete all of the paperwork and applications to get the benefits your veteran is entitled to receive.
If I plan a prepaid cremation, will there be any additional costs later?
When you preplan cremation and prepay for cremation services, you lock in today’s cremation rates. Changes to cremation prices in Philadelphia do not affect people who have prepaid. However, other expenses associated with death, such as certified copies of death certificates, county coroner fees, fees to publish obituaries and fees for additional services are not included in prepaid cremation packages and will be billed separately.
Additionally, when you prepay cremation fees, you are locking in the price of cremation, and not the cost of additional services including a funeral or memorial service. Any additional services at the time of death are subject to their costs at the time offered.
Is embalming required in a Philadelphia cremation?
Embalming is not required if you choose cremation services. However, if you want to delay cremation for a funeral or public visitation, embalming may be required. Call us at (610) 572-7078 to discuss your schedule and determine whether embalming is right for your cremation plan.
Do you offer cremation caskets?
A cremation container is not required, but you can purchase a cremation container or cremation casket if you prefer.
Where can I get an urn?
We offer a selection of urns for your Philadelphia cremation that you can purchase in-house at Philadelphia Cremation Society.
How do I get the remains after cremation in Philadelphia?
After the cremation, you have several options to get your loved one’s remains:
- Pick up the remains at our facility
- We can ship the remains to you
- Plan a scattering of ashes service
- Inter the remains in a columbarium, memorial park, or cemetery
Depending on the option you choose, these services may incur additional fees.
What if I have a question you haven’t answered?
If you have any other questions, or want additional details about any of our services, please call us at (610) 572-7078, or complete our online form to inquire by email.
Medicare & Cremation FAQ
Does Medicare cover cremation costs?
Medicare does not directly cover cremation costs. However, the death benefit through Social Security (which many Medicare beneficiaries qualify for) can provide a one-time payment of $255 to eligible surviving spouses or dependent children, which can be used toward cremation expenses. Our staff can help you understand and apply for any benefits you may be eligible for.
What should Medicare recipients know about pre-planning cremation?
Pre-planning your cremation can help protect your assets while maintaining Medicare eligibility. We can work with you to structure your pre-planned arrangements in a way that complies with Medicare’s asset requirements. Contact us at (610) 572-7078 to discuss your specific situation.
Are there any Medicare-approved payment plans for cremation services?
While Medicare doesn’t cover cremation directly, we offer various payment plans that can work alongside your Medicare planning. Our staff can help you understand how to coordinate your cremation pre-planning with your Medicare benefits without affecting your eligibility.
Irrevocable Trusts & Preplanning FAQ
What is an irrevocable funeral trust?
An irrevocable funeral trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside funds specifically for funeral and cremation expenses. Once established, these funds cannot be withdrawn for any other purpose, which provides protection for both you and your beneficiaries. The Philadelphia Cremation Society can help you understand how these trusts work with your pre-planning.
How does an irrevocable trust protect my pre-planned cremation arrangements?
An irrevocable trust offers several key protections:
- The funds are protected from creditors
- The arrangement can help qualify you for Medicare/Medicaid while protecting assets
- Your cremation arrangements are guaranteed at today’s prices
- The trust ensures the funds will be available when needed. Contact us at (610) 572-7078 to learn more about setting up an irrevocable trust for your cremation arrangements.
Can an irrevocable trust affect my Medicare eligibility?
Properly structured irrevocable funeral trusts are exempt from Medicare/Medicaid asset calculations. This means you can set aside funds for your final arrangements without affecting your eligibility for benefits. Our staff can help you understand how to properly structure your pre-planning to maintain your benefits eligibility.
How do I set up an irrevocable trust for cremation services?
Setting up an irrevocable trust for cremation services involves several steps:
- Choosing your cremation services package
- Determining the trust amount
- Completing the legal documentation We can guide you through this process and connect you with appropriate legal resources. Call us at (610) 572-7078 to get started.
Additional Questions?
What if I have a question you haven’t answered?
If you have any other questions, or want additional details about any of our services, please call us at (610) 572-7078, or complete our online form to inquire by email.