That being said, it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to get all legal documents in order and approve the cremation authorization. No casket is required by law for cremation, but a rigid combustible container must be used. This is commonly referred to as a « cremation container » and is a reinforced cardboard box. Burial is still the most common preference in Indiana, with burials performed in about 80% of funerals. However, the cremation rate is increasing in Indiana, as is the case in the United States. Cremation can be much cheaper than a burial, as items such as a casket, grave, and tombstone are not needed. If you want a more organic final resting place, Washington Park North is honored to fulfill your desires. Green burial offers an eco-friendly alternative by using a biodegradable coffin – or shroud. Our cemetery is home to Kessler Woods, a natural cemetery in central Indiana.
Today, people care about the environment and the impact they have on the land. This is one of the reasons why more and more people are opting for a green burial. Another reason is to observe religious traditions, especially the Muslim or Jewish faith, where green burial can meet their religious needs. No, embalming is not required by law in Indiana. Embalming does not prevent a body from going through the natural process of decomposition. Your funeral director may suggest embalming if it is likely that there will be a delay before the funeral can be performed. Or if a visit or open casket service is requested for health, safety and hygiene reasons. However, this should be a personal decision, and don`t feel pressured to have your loved one embalmed if you don`t want to. Indiana law states that cremated remains may be retained by the person who has legal control over the remains (or the authorization officer) or may be disposed of in one of the following ways: There are several sources and options you can explore to get help with funeral expenses in Indiana.
The Indiana government can provide state funeral assistance through the Temporary Assistance Fund for Needy Families (TANF). A funeral request must be submitted to the local office of the Ministry of Family and Children, and if eligible, a reimbursement from the state can be up to 60% of the amount spent. Recipients of Medicaid retirement, blind or disability benefits are eligible for 100% funded funeral assistance. As mentioned above, this decision alone can affect how you start making arrangements. Whether you choose funeral or cremation is a very personal decision. The deceased may have expressed a preference, or you, as a loved one, may need to make a decision based not only on the wishes of the deceased, but also on the finances available. There are three methods of funding: trust funds, escrow accounts and insurance policies. If you purchase a pre-need contract directly from a funeral home, it will likely be funded by a trust fund or escrow account.
When you purchase a plan with an insurance agent, you purchase funeral insurance. When applying for state assistance for funeral expenses in Indiana, the amount awarded may also be determined by the amount paid to funeral expenses by relatives and/or friends. The amount of $750 is exempt from inclusion in the calculation of the funeral grant. If an amount greater than $750 but less than $1350 is collected, a payment of $600 from government resources is payable. Kessler Woods is located on the grounds of Washington Park North and is the only natural cemetery in central Indiana. Requirements vary depending on the cemetery chosen. As mentioned below, there are no legal regulations that require the use of a coffin. However, cemetery regulations usually require some sort of rigid container. Many cemeteries also require the use of a vault or burial covering to prevent soil compaction and prevent contamination of the water table by chemical embalming. I was looking for greener funeral alternatives when I came across the green funeral page of US Funerals.
It was a very helpful resource and I was even able to find a green grave near me with the directory! Angela, South Carolina A cremation permit form must be signed by the next of kin. Once cremation has been duly authorized, the funeral director may obtain the cremation permit. In many states, there is a mandatory 24-hour legal waiting period before cremation can take place, but in Indiana, there is no such rule. Similar to funerals, the cost of cremation in Indiana can vary depending on the cremation service provider you use and the type of cremation service you choose. Simple cremation (direct cremation) can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,000. Low-cost direct cremations are available from a number of suppliers. Keep in mind that a cemetery may have specific size and containment requirements for burial sites and vaults, and it`s wise to inquire carefully with your cemetery before purchasing a casket. Only biodegradable materials can be buried in the Kessler Forest. In Indiana, there is no legal requirement for a body to be buried in a casket. State law states that a « rigid container » is required and defines a « casket » as a rigid envelope that: This amount is calculated on a dollar-for-dollar amount for fees over $750.
In addition, up to $400 can be claimed for cemetery expenses. To learn more about the funeral assistance program in Indiana and check current prices, visit www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/about-dfr/about-the-burial-assistance-program/ Tragically, this happens more frequently as we become a more mobile society. If your loved one died while away from home, you can either have their body returned to Indiana or have their body cremated at the site of death and have the ashes returned. Shipping cremated remains is a much cheaper option. To learn more about shipping funeral homes, read our section « What to do when a loved one dies abroad or out of state. » This is the first task you`ll face, whether in immediate need or planning ahead, and with some 960+ funeral homes and cremation providers in Indiana, it can be hard to know where to start. It`s important to make sure you get a funeral service provider that`s right for you. Not be influenced by what others think is right. Be sure to listen to recommendations from family and friends, but it`s also wise to do your own research or research. Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology 635 Barnhill Drive VanNuys Medical Science Building Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 There are also benefits for veterans who can contribute to the cost of the funeral of a veteran or his or her spouse. For more information, see our military funeral section or contact your local VA for more details.
