Funeral Planning Checklist

A step-by-step checklist for the person handling funeral arrangements. Print this page and check items off as you go. Take your time — not everything needs to happen at once.

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Immediate steps (first 24 hours)

• Locate the deceased's will, advance directive, or any written funeral wishes
• Check for a prepaid funeral plan or preneed contract
• Check for life insurance policies (employer, personal, veterans' group)
• Gather the deceased's vital information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, birthplace, parents' names
• Notify immediate family members and close friends
• If applicable, contact the deceased's employer, union, or veterans' organization about benefits
• Designate one person to coordinate — having a single point of contact reduces confusion

Choosing a funeral provider

• Contact at least 2-3 funeral homes by phone
• Request the General Price List (GPL) from each — they are legally required to provide one
• Compare the basic services fee, which is charged by every funeral home and varies widely
• Ask specifically about all fees included vs. optional — do not assume anything is included
• Ask about package vs. itemized pricing — itemized lets you choose only what you need
• Ask if they offer payment plans or accept assignment of life insurance
• Take notes during each call; do not rely on memory during a stressful time

Key decisions to make

• Burial or cremation? — This is the single biggest cost driver. Direct cremation is typically the least expensive option.
• Viewing or no viewing? — A viewing usually requires embalming, a casket, and facility rental, adding significant cost.
• Ceremony type: Formal funeral service, memorial service (no body present), graveside service, or celebration of life
• Casket or urn: You are not required to buy from the funeral home. Third-party retailers and rental options can save significantly.
• Cemetery or cremation disposition: Burial plot, mausoleum niche, scattering, or keeping at home
• Transportation: Do you need a hearse, flower car, or family limousine? These are optional.
• Obituary: Newspaper obituaries can cost $200–$1,000+. Online-only options are often free or low-cost.

Cost management

• Use the cost estimator to understand typical ranges for your region and service type
• Compare General Price Lists line by line — the same service can vary by thousands of dollars between providers
• Ask about every fee. Common surprise charges: basic services fee, embalming (if not requested), "handling" charges, overtime fees
• Know that embalming is not legally required in most states — ask for the specific law if told otherwise
• Know that you have the right to supply your own casket or urn with no handling fee (FTC Funeral Rule)
• Consider whether a casket rental (for viewing) plus cremation is more cost-effective than purchasing a casket
• Ask about veterans' benefits if applicable — VA burial allowances, national cemetery eligibility, and military honors are available at no cost
• Check whether the deceased's county or state offers burial assistance for financial hardship

Documents to gather

• Death certificate (order 10-15 certified copies — you'll need them for insurance, banking, property, and benefits claims)
• Social Security card or number
• Birth certificate (for death certificate preparation)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Military discharge papers (DD-214) if the deceased was a veteran
• Life insurance policy documents
• Prepaid funeral contract (if one exists)
• Will or trust documents
• Recent photo for obituary (if desired)

People to notify

• Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) — to report the death and inquire about the $255 lump-sum benefit
• Employer and/or pension administrator
• Life insurance companies
• Banks and financial institutions (especially joint accounts and payable-on-death accounts)
• Veterans Affairs (if applicable: 1-800-827-1000)
• Health insurance provider
• Landlord or mortgage company
• Utility companies, subscription services, and recurring payments
• Post office (to forward or hold mail)

Questions to bring to the funeral home

• "May I have your General Price List?"
• "What is your basic services fee and what does it cover?"
• "Is embalming required? What are the alternatives?"
• "Can I provide my own casket or urn?"
• "What are the total costs, including cemetery fees, if applicable?"
• "Do you offer a simple or direct cremation/burial option?"
• "Are there any additional fees not listed on the GPL?"
• "What is your payment policy — is payment required in full before services?"
• "Do you accept life insurance assignment or offer payment plans?"

After the service

• Review the final invoice against the General Price List and your written agreement
• If charges don't match, ask for an explanation — you have the right to an itemized bill
• File for any applicable benefits: Social Security, VA, employer, insurance
• Keep all receipts and contracts — you may need them for estate settlement
• If you believe you were overcharged or misled, file a complaint with the FTC or your state funeral board