The FTC Funeral Rule in Plain English: Your Rights When Arranging a Cremation

The Funeral Rule is a federal regulation, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, that applies to funeral homes across the United States. It exists so families can compare prices and buy only what they want, even in the middle of grief. If you’re arranging a cremation, these are the parts that matter most.

1. You can get prices over the phone

The FTC states that funeral directors must give you price information on the telephone if you ask for it, and you don’t have to give your name, address, or phone number first. This is the fastest way to compare several funeral homes. (Here are five questions to ask on that call.)

2. You get a General Price List to keep

When you visit a funeral home and ask about arrangements, it must give you a General Price List (GPL) that is yours to keep. The GPL itemizes every good and service the funeral home offers and the cost of each. It’s the single most useful document for comparing providers.

3. You can buy only what you want

You have the right to choose individual goods and services rather than accept a package that includes items you don’t want. If a state or crematory legally requires a particular item, the funeral home must explain that requirement in writing.

4. You don’t need a casket for cremation

According to the FTC, a funeral home that offers cremations must tell you that alternative containers are available and must make them available. These are simple, rigid containers designed for cremation — far less expensive than a casket.

5. You can bring your own urn

The FTC says a funeral provider cannot refuse to handle a casket or urn you bought online, at a local store, or anywhere else — and cannot charge you a fee for doing so.

6. Embalming is not routinely required

The FTC notes that no state law requires routine embalming for every death. For direct cremation, refrigeration is the usual alternative. If a funeral home tells you embalming is required, ask them to explain why in writing.

7. You get an itemized written statement

Immediately after you make arrangements, the funeral home must give you a statement listing every good and service you selected, the price of each, and the total. Review it before you sign.

If something doesn’t seem right

Start by asking the funeral home to show you the relevant line on its General Price List. If you still believe your rights weren’t respected, you can contact your state’s funeral service licensing board or report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The bottom line

The Funeral Rule gives every family the tools to shop calmly: call for prices, ask for the General Price List, and buy only what you want. Funeral homes that publish their direct cremation price upfront make that even easier.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FTC Funeral Rule?

It is a federal regulation enforced by the Federal Trade Commission that requires funeral homes to give consumers accurate, itemized price information and prohibits certain misrepresentations, so families can buy only the goods and services they want.

Do I have a right to a General Price List?

Yes. When you ask about arrangements in person, the funeral home must give you a General Price List that is yours to keep, itemizing each good and service it offers.

Can a funeral home refuse an urn or casket I bought elsewhere?

No. The FTC says a funeral provider cannot refuse to handle a casket or urn you bought somewhere else, and cannot charge you a fee to do so.

Is embalming required by law?

The FTC notes that no state law requires routine embalming for every death. Direct cremation and immediate burial do not require embalming.

Sources

• FTC — The FTC Funeral Rule