Unraveling Cremation and Funeral Costs in Pennsylvania: A Sympathetic Approach

In Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, confronting funeral and cremation cost can be a daunting and emotionally charged endeavor, especially during a period of bereavement. At Final Expense Brokerage of America, our dedication lies in mitigating this stress by offering thorough assistance on all aspects of end-of-life financial considerations. 

Our purpose is to accompany you on this challenging path, delivering transparent, empathetic counsel every step of the way to reduce funeral and cremation cost in Pennysylvania. 

Interpreting Pennsylvania’s Specific Laws on Cremation Services

Each U.S. state has its distinct set of legal responsibilities that funeral homes and crematories must comply with, ensuring the honorable and dignified handling of human remains through cremation.

In Pennsylvania, it is mandatory for the immediate next of kin to sign a ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before the initiation of the cremation process. This step is vital in respecting the desires of the deceased and their family.

Moreover, a cremation permit from the coroner is a prerequisite. Pennsylvania law enforces a waiting period of 24 hours from the moment of death before the cremation process can start. However, due to the required paperwork, this duration often extends to approximately three to five days. If necessary, expedited services can be arranged, offering some adaptability in these strict procedures.

In Pennsylvania, it is not legally required to have a casket for cremation. Instead, an appropriate rigid container, such as a reinforced cardboard or plywood box (commonly known as a cremation container), is deemed acceptable. For families desiring to conduct a funeral service before cremation, numerous funeral homes, including ours, provide casket rental options. This allows for a traditional viewing experience without the additional expense of buying a casket.

Clarifying Cremation Costs in Pennsylvania: An In-depth Examination

Cremation has risen as a more cost-effective alternative to traditional burial, particularly in light of the economic pressure caused by the ongoing pandemic and the escalating cost of living. The average cost of direct cremation in Pennsylvania is approximately $2,456, which is notably less than the national average. This cost-efficient cremation method has led to a significant increase in the popularity in recent years.

Including a memorial service, the average cost of cremation in Pennsylvania is around $7,500. This is considerably less than the average cost of a casket and traditional burial services, making it a more affordable choice for many families. 

Cremation allows families to evade costlier end-of-life expenses such as caskets, embalming, grave liners, and cemetery plots, thereby lessening financial stress during an already emotionally demanding time.

Direct Cremation: A Sensible and Economical Option

Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation service available. It involves a simple, respectful cremation without a service or ceremony. The cremated remains are returned to the next of kin, providing families with the flexibility to plan a memorial service at a time that suits their emotional and financial circumstances.

Direct cremation can be arranged online or over the phone, with the cremated remains mailed directly to the next of kin. This offers a pragmatic, cost-effective solution, particularly for families coordinating arrangements from outside Pennsylvania. 

The average funeral cost in Pennsylvania typically includes the funeral director’s basic services, retrieval and transfer of the deceased, completion of legal paperwork, and the cremation process. 

A basic cardboard cremation container and a temporary urn are generally included in the cost, making direct cremation an economical choice for many Pennsylvania families.