Funeral Expenses
What Funeral Expenses Are Involved In A Funeral Service?
Since Saamis began in 1990, they have received enormous support for the people of Medicine Hat and the district. Our main objective is to provide compassionate and caring service at fair and affordable prices. At the time of death with a loved one, we are faced with many important and stresseful decisions in the midst of deep sorrow. Our qualified staff are always there to respond to the needs and requirements of you and your family. They will provide answers to all of your questions, suggestions when making decisions, and provide comfort and a quiet strength.
The costs of services usually include the use of the funeral home facilities and equipment, transportation, motor vehicles and professional services provided by the funeral home staff. If you choose burial,
burial costs will also be a factor. Consumer preferences really dictate the cost of the other items such as casket, vault or grave liner, memorial urn (for cremation only), clothing, flowers, monument for the grave, memorial cards, register books, etc.
Most funeral homes have between ten and twenty-five caskets that can range in price from thousands of dollars to a few hundred dollars. The material, the quality of workmanship and the grade of interior fabric dictate the price. Caskets can be constructed of metal, hardwood or wood by-products.
If cremation is chosen, a casket or cremation container is selected to transport the deceased to the crematorium and for the funeral service if the cremation is to take place after the service. After the cremation, the cremated remains are usually placed in a memorial urn that has been selected by the family. Again, prices of the caskets and urns are dependant upon the materials in them and quality of workmanship.
Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium has a wide selection of quality caskets and urns at varying price ranges. Please
contact one of our staff should you wish additional information.
How to Get Financial Assistance for a Funeral
Funeral expenses often come at an unexpected time. The following are brief descriptions of organizations that may offer assistance. Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium will be pleased to provide further information should you desire it.
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Alberta Seniors Benefit
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A special program for widows ages 65 and older who qualify for assistance. |
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Alberta Works Income Support |
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A special program for people under 65 years who qualify for assistance.
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Allowance for the Survivor
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A Federal Government program for widows/widowers who qualify and are between the age of 60 and 64. |
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Canada Pension Plan
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Available for those who have contributed. The benefits available include Survivor’s Benefit and Orphan’s Benefit (monthly payments made to the surviving spouse &/or children), and the Death Benefit (a one-time lump sum payment made to the estate). |
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Company, union, fraternal or organizational benefits
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May be available depending upon the employer or organization. |
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Compassionate Air Fare
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Provided by many airlines for families attending a funeral or a sick family member where death is imminent. Check with the particular airline for details. |
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Crimes Compensation Board
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Can authorize funds toward funeral expenses, loss of support by dependents of the victim and other costs should a death occur from a crime of violence. |
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Life Insurance Policies
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Pay the death benefits as set out by the policy directly to the named beneficiaries. |
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Cheques (Canada Pension, Supplemental Benefits, Company Pension etc.)
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Received as income for the month in which the death occurred become the property of the deceased person’s estate. |
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Public Trustee
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Will authorize an allowance for the cost of a funeral if this office was looking after the deceased’s affairs. It is important to contact the Public Trustee’s office before arrangements are made for the funeral. |
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Social Services/Income Support
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May provide government assistance if financial eligibility is met. |
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Workers’ Compensation Board
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May make funds available to spouses, children and other dependents providing the cause of death is attributed to the work place. |
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The Last Post Fund/Veteran’s Affairs
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Was organized to provide a dignified funeral, interment and marker for honourable discharged veterans without sufficient funds. |
In 1997, Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium was presented with the “For Caring Award”, For Excellence in Responding to the Needs of the Bereaved by the Bereavement Society of Alberta (the first and only time ever awarded to a funeral home).
This tradition of care remains Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium’s number one priority today!
We Work with You to Create the Funeral You Want
The needs and expectations of our families are changing and we've responded with funeral service options tailored to these new expectations by offering prices lower than the average cost of a funeral.
Two generations ago, traditional funerals (visitation, funeral service, and service at the cemetery) were common. It was what everyone expected.
But, as the demand for cremation services increased, there has been a shift in the types of services available. Many more families are choosing cremation and holding a memorial service afterwards. Family members and friends still came together to pay their respects to the deceased and find emotional support but they did so in less formal ways.
Today, another funeral service option, the celebration-of-life service, has become quite popular because there are no limits to the how, where, and when the life of a loved one can be celebrated.
Thinking about Your Funeral Service Options
The arrangements you make will be influenced by the lifestyle of your deceased family member; the time of year, your budget, and the number of people in attendance. But you don't have to think about it all on your own; we're here to help. That's what we do; it's our passion to help families celebrate the life of their loved one. Just reach out to us; let us know what you'd like, and we'll tell you how we can assist you. We are happy to offer families funeral service quotes in Medicine Hat Alberta for many years.
Let's Talk
We invite you to learn how helpful we can be – just pick up the phone and call us at 403-528-2599 or 1-800-317-2647.