Burial Plot or Cemeteries
When you are purchasing a burial plot, consider the location of
the cemetery and whether it meets the requirements of your family's
religion. Other considerations include what, if any, restrictions
the cemetery places on burial vaults purchased elsewhere, the type
of monuments or memorials it allows, and whether flowers or other
remembrances may be placed on graves.
Cost is another consideration. Burial plots can be expensive,
especially in metropolitan areas. Most, but not all, cemeteries
require you to purchase a grave liner, which can cost several
hundred dollars up to a thousand dollars. Note that there are
charges - ranging between $1000 to $2500 - to open and close a
grave for interment. Perpetual care on a cemetery plot sometimes is
included in the purchase price, but it's important to clarify that
point before you buy the site or service. If it's not included,
look for a separate endowment care fee for maintenance and
groundskeeping.
If you plan to bury your remains in a mausoleum or columbarium,
you can expect to purchase a crypt and pay opening and closing
fees, as well as charges for endowment care and other services. The
FTC's Funeral Rule does not cover cemeteries and mausoleums unless
they sell both funeral goods and funeral services, so be cautious
in making your purchase to ensure that you receive all pertinent
price and other information, and that you're being dealt with
fairly.
Veterans Cemeteries
All veterans* are entitled to a free burial in a national
cemetery and a grave marker. This eligibility also extends to some
civilians who have provided military-related service and some
Public Health Service personnel. Spouses and dependent children
also are entitled to a lot and marker when buried in a national
cemetery. There are no charges for opening or closing the grave,
for a vault or liner, or for setting the marker in a national
cemetery. The family generally is responsible for other expenses,
including transportation to the cemetery.
In addition, many states have established state veterans
cemeteries. Eligibility requirements and other details vary.
Contact your state for more information.
Beware of commercial cemeteries that advertise so-called
"veterans' specials." These cemeteries sometimes offer a free plot
for the veteran, but charge exorbitant rates for an adjoining plot
for the spouse, as well as high fees for opening and closing each
grave. Evaluate the bottom-line cost to be sure the special is as
special as you may be led to believe.
For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' website. To
reach the regional Veterans office in your area, call
1-800-827-1000.
