Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a funeral cost?

The average cost of a traditional funeral today is approximately $7300. This includes professional services of funeral director and staff, embalming, use of facilities and/or equipment for calling hours and funeral ceremony, transfer from place of death to funeral home, necessary vehicles, an average-priced casket and concrete vault. This cost does not include such cash disbursements as purchase of cemetery lots, grave opening/closing, clergy/church honoraria, musicians, obituary notices, certified death certificates and monument expenses. Certainly the cost of your funeral can fall below or above the average depending on the merchandise and service selections you make. Your selection of services, which can vary from a traditional funeral service with calling hours and ceremony to a Memorial service will also affect your funeral costs.

How do most people pay for funeral expenses?

A large number of families use funds that were set aside in funeral prearrangements ahead of time. Others may pay with cash, checks or a credit card, and some families rely on life insurance to pay for funeral expenses.

Can funeral arrangements be planned and, if desired, prepaid in advance?

Yes they can. Referred to as preplanning or prearranging, many people find that preplanning gives them peace of mind knowing that their wishes will be respected and the burden lessened on their family at the time of their death. Others find that they need to protect their assets from the state and assure that their funeral expenses will be taken care of. Preplanning your funeral consists of meeting with the funeral home of your choice to allow them to gather biographical information for a death certificate as well as any information you would like included in obituary notices. At this time you can also choose the type of service desired, the type of casket, concrete outer burial container or cremation urn. Once your prearrangements are made, you may prepay your funeral to secure the price at today's cost. The interest that accumulates on your funds is then used to offset inflation. At the Perry Funeral Home & Cremation Service, we work with a number of reputable prefunding vehicles such as insurance and trusts. We guarantee that your funeral funds will be secure and protected. See our Pre-Arrangement Page.

What will happen to my prepaid arrangements should I decide to move?

Most prepaid arrangements are established using an irrevocable contract to protect the funds from being acquired by the State, the funeral home or the family before the death occurs. Your arrangements, however, are easily transferred to another funeral home should you decide to leave the area.

How much will Social Security pay towards my funeral expenses?

The Social Security Administration may pay a lump sum death benefit of $255 to the surviving widow/widower provided that the deceased and their spouse were living together at the time of death. Entitled children may be eligible to receive the lump sum death benefit if the deceased was receiving monthly benefits at the time he/she passed away. Further information regarding benefits that you or your family may be eligible for can be obtained by calling the Social Security Administration directly at (800) 772-1213 or visiting their website @www.ssa.gov

As a United States veteran, will the Veterans Administration pay for my funeral expenses?

Each veteran, discharged other than dishonorably, is entitled to a burial flag and a government grave marker for an unmarked grave. In certain circumstances, a veteran may be eligible for monetary benefits. These may include a burial allowance of $300, a plot allowance of $150 and in certain circumstances some transportation expenses. If the death is ruled to be service connected, there may be additional monies available.For more information please see our Veterans Page.

Is embalming required by law?

Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. However, embalming may be necessary if you select certain funeral arrangements such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require it, such as closed casket services, immediate burial or cremation prior to your service.

Can I still have a wake and/or funeral ceremony if I wish to be cremated?

There are many options available with regards to cremation. The act of cremation is simply a form of disposition, taking the place of a full body burial. While you may desire a direct cremation with no services, many people are choosing to have calling hours and/or a funeral ceremony prior to the cremation. Others choose to have a Memorial funeral ceremony with the urn present.

Is the Perry Funeral Home & Cremation Service an independent, family-owned funeral home?

With nearly 50 years of service to New Bedford and the surrounding communities, the Perry Funeral Home & Cremation Service continues to be owned by the Perry family.