Funeral savings guide: Everything you need to know
When a loved one passes away and you’re overcome with grief, it can be difficult to even think about planning a funeral. And the added stress of high funeral costs doesn’t help. Fortunately, there are resources available to you and your family.
Building a funeral savings plan in Canada starts with knowing your options. Use these tips on how to save for a funeral to help you honour your loved one without bringing on financial stress.
Understand the cost of funerals
In Canada, the cost of a traditional funeral with burial typically ranges from CAD $8,000 to CAD $15,000, depending on your province and the services you choose. Direct cremation is the most affordable option, typically costing between CAD $1,500 and CAD $3,500. Prices can differ based on the types of funeral services you’re requesting. However, these costs can be negotiated if you take the right steps below. Some savings come from declining optional services such as embalming, which isn’t required unless there’s a public viewing, and purchasing a casket or urn from an independent retailer instead of the funeral home.
Your rights as a funeral consumer in Canada
In most Canadian provinces, you have the following rights when arranging a funeral:
Protect your privacy while comparison shopping
You don’t have to give the funeral homes your name, address, or telephone number over the phone.
Ask for price quotes on the telephone
Funeral directors are required to give price information over the telephone if a customer requests.
Pay only for the funeral-related goods and services you want
For example, you don’t need to buy a casket from the funeral home where you are having the service. If you find a better deal or more suitable option, you can purchase it online instead.
Get a written, itemised price list
If you visit a funeral home, ask them for a General Price List (GPL) that is yours to keep. Also, request the price list before you see the actual caskets. Detailed price information should be included in the funeral home’s GPL and will help keep decisions easy in this difficult time.
Get a detailed funeral quote
Once you have decided what you need, get a written statement of all costs before you pay. It should show exactly what you are buying and the cost of each item.
Provide the funeral home with a casket or urn
The funeral provider cannot refuse to handle a casket or urn you bought online, at a local casket store, or somewhere else, or charge you a fee to do it.
Make funeral arrangements without embalming
No law in Canada requires routine embalming. Some provinces require embalming or refrigeration in certain cases. This usually applies if the body isn’t buried or cremated within a set time. Verify with your local funeral home or provincial consumer protection office.
Requirements vary by province. Contact your provincial consumer protection office or visit your provincial government’s website for specifics.
Avoid unnecessary spending
Planning ahead and asking the right questions can help you avoid unnecessary costs when arranging a funeral, without sacrificing a meaningful service for your loved one.
Avoid taking on debt
Consider all of your options before using credit cards, cash advances, or loans. Look out for high interest rates that can negatively affect your credit.
Compare prices from two funeral homes
Asking for a second opinion can save you money. We know how stressful these situations can be, and we know that every little bit saved can help.
Get a good faith estimate
Ask the funeral home to explain in writing anything that could affect what you’re required to buy, such as cemetery or crematory rules. This applies when you purchase specific funeral goods or services.
Get an itemised statement of all funeral costs
Ask the funeral provider for an itemised statement of all costs. All funeral goods and services you’ve selected must be itemised and accounted for.
Don’t overspend
Resist pressure to buy goods and services you don’t really want or need. Realise that some purchases may not be in your best interest. While we know this is stressful, take your time, and make the best decision for your family.
Understand any legal requirements that relate to costs
Ask the funeral home to clearly explain any requirements that may affect your choices, such as cemetery or crematory rules. Get this information in writing.
Explore government funeral aid benefits
If you need assistance with funeral or memorial costs, but don’t know where to start, you may be eligible for help from these government agencies.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
If the deceased made contributions to CPP, they are eligible for a one-time payment of up to CAD $2,500, or up to CAD $5,000 for eligible estates as of January 2025. Surviving spouses and dependent children of CPP contributors may be eligible, and applications are submitted through Service Canada.
Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program
The Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program ensures that eligible veterans receive dignified funeral and burial services.
Provincial social assistance
Many provinces offer burial assistance for low-income families through their social assistance programmes. Contact your provincial social assistance office to find out what’s available where you live.
For a full overview of available programs, see our guide to getting help with funeral costs in Canada.
Fundraising for funeral and memorial costs
Unfortunately, paying for a funeral can be a challenge for many. You may be wondering how you’ll pay for a funeral without any money. Your close friends and family can help share the burden of these costs through crowdfunding. Many Canadian families use GoFundMe to help cover funeral and burial expenses when costs exceed their budget or government assistance. You can create a funeral fundraiser and share it with friends, family, and your community by text, email, or social media, making it easy for supporters to contribute from anywhere.
A crowdfunding fundraiser makes it easy for people across the globe to support their loved ones in time of need. There are no eligibility requirements to start a fundraiser, so anyone can launch one on behalf of themselves or a loved one. In lieu of flowers or cards, you can create a funeral fundraiser to help with costs. Learn how to start a memorial fund for your loved one.
Funeral fundraiser examples
These fundraisers show how friends, family, and communities have helped cover funeral costs through GoFundMe.
Victoria & Ava Ericks Scholarship
When Christian Ericks, age 46, unexpectedly passed away, his friend Marsha stepped up to help establish the Victoria & Ava Ericks Scholarship Fund. Chris’s two beautiful daughters were the pride and joy of his life. Due to Chris’s unexpected death, there was no support or college fund for his daughters. By banding together, friends, family, and coworkers were able to raise over CAD $8,000 to cover expenses.
Sterling Jr.’s Homegoing Services
Sterling was only three years old when he passed away. Everyone who knew Sterling knew how thrilled he was to go to school each day. He was full of life and made his presence known in any room he entered. As the organizer, Jennifer knew she could make a difference, so she started a fundraiser for the family. The community set a goal of CAD $15,000 and raised over CAD $18,000 for his services and to support the family during this difficult time.
Offset funeral costs with this funeral savings guide
To help you navigate funeral planning, we’ve provided a collection of resources in one place for your reference. Please save and bookmark this link. Remember, GoFundMe is here for you. And check out our funeral and memorial fundraising tips to get more insight.