Although cremation is now America’s top choice in disposition, direct cremation is still a new concept to many. The actual cremation process is the same – the decedent’s remains are taken to a crematory and reduced to ashes through the use of intense heat.



Other than the disposition method itself, you may have questions about what direct cremation entails. Here, we’ve included the basics of direct cremation services, so you and your family will know what to expect when a death does occur.

The term direct cremation often creates some confusion. Does “direct” mean straight from the place of death to the crematory?

No, direct cremation isn’t quite that direct. Before disposition can take place, the service provider must receive approval from the state. This is the lengthiest part of the process, as the state will not approve cremation unless an authorized person (a spouse or next of kin) authorizes it.

There is paperwork involved that the state must receive prior to approval, including a death certificate and cremation authorization form. Further, Florida statutes require a minimum waiting period of 48 hours before cremation can take place. This is in case the authorized person changes their mind. This all adds up to a slight delay between time of death and cremation.

In most cases, though, the above is resolved within a week. During this time, the direct cremation service provider will refrigerate the decedent’s remains. Embalming is not required.

Funerals, burials, and memorials are quickly increasing in cost – faster than almost all other consumer goods and services, in fact. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with burial was almost $8,000 in 2021. It was only slightly less (about $7,000) for a traditional memorial service with cremation.

Direct cremation is much less expensive, on average. Depending on the chosen goods and services, direct cremation may cost less than $1,000. And while cost is obviously not the only consideration in end-of-life arrangements, the money saved on a traditional service can be used in a future remembrance ceremony.

How are direct cremation providers able to minimize costs for their clients? Mostly by offering only what’s needed for disposition. With direct cremation, you can expect the following:

• A basic services package that includes an arrangement conference, assistance with cremation forms, and retrieval of the decedent’s remains.
• Transportation from the place of death to the mortuary, and from the mortuary to the crematory.
• Refrigeration, for several days before additional fees are accrued.
• A container for the decedent during transport and cremation.
• The crematory’s fee.

Note that a funeral, viewing, or memorial is not included with direct cremation. That means families do not need to work with a funeral home for direct cremation. They work only through the service provider.



For many families, a traditional funeral service isn’t what they prefer for their loved one. And it isn’t what many people prefer for themselves. By choosing direct cremation, you can honor your loved one however you choose, whenever you can.

Florida refers to direct cremation services as “direct disposers.” And in Florida, direct disposers are regulated with the same laws that govern other disposition providers.



For example, a direct cremation provider must be licensed before they can provide services, just like with funeral homes. Also, direct cremation services are required, as per the Funeral Rule, to provide a complete, transparent list of fees. Further, direct cremators must also allow clients to choose only what they need for disposition, without sales pressure.

The Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide death benefits to help offset the costs of direct cremation.

The SSA benefit is a one-time payment of $255 – which is enough to cover a third of direct cremation costs. Most of the time, it’s paid out to the surviving spouse, but the decedent’s children may also apply for the benefit. An application to the SSA is required to attain it, and you’ll need to provide some identifying documentation with the application.

VA benefits also require an application (Form 21P-530), which may be submitted by a spouse, child, or parent. If the decedent died while on active duty, the benefit is up to $2,000 in reimbursed costs. If the decedent died while not on active duty, but in a VA facility or while receiving a VA pension, then the benefit is up to $300.

FEMA may also pay out benefits if the deceased died due to a natural disaster. The disaster must have been a declared national emergency, and a pile of paperwork is needed to access the benefit. This includes a death certificate, identifying documentation, proof of unpaid funeral costs and confirmation that death was due to the natural disaster.

Direct cremation services may include delivery or shipping of the cremains. Delivery is typically available within a specified distance to the direct disposer’s facilities, though shipping may be available anywhere in the lower 48 states.

These services are typically add-ons and require an additional charge, but they allow families to receive their loved one’s cremated remains, no matter how far away.

Direct cremation services can be planned and funded within minutes, and you may be able to handle the process entirely online. Answer a few questions, provide some basic information and pre-pay so there’s no delay in service.

Preplanning your cremation removes financial and emotional stresses from your family and ensures your choice in disposition is carried out.

Cremation has achieved widespread acceptance in the U.S. in just the last 10 years or so, and so direct cremation is still a new concept to many families. But hopefully you know a little more about it now, and why it’s worth considering for many.