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Alaska State Flower: Forget-me-not
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Questions and Answers you may have about The Cremation Society of Alaska
Q. How does the Cremation Society of Alaska work?
A. The Cremation Society is notified immediately at the time of death. Then the member’s body is transported to the Society’s crematory where it is held until proper medical authorization is secured. The cremation permit is then completed, and the body is cremated.
Q. At the time of death, what is the cost for the complete cremation service?
A. The cost of the complete cremation service is presently $1,295 for members. This is payable at the time services are rendered. The charge for non-members, whom we also serve, is $1,495
Q. Is your price of $1295.00 for complete cremation service good for the entire state of Alaska?
A. Yes. However, there is an additional transportation charge if the death is over 60 miles from either Anchorage or Wasilla offices. (Presently $3.00 per mile one way.) Or, the airline/other transportation cost from remote Alaska. In addition, there may be an additional cost for additional staff to assist if the death occurs at the family residence or hospice.
Q. Does the body have to be embalmed?
A. No. The body does not have to be embalmed. There is no law in Alaska requiring embalming. Embalming may be necessary if the deceased has to be held over a period of time or if the family desires a public viewing.
Q. What happens to the ashes after Cremation?
A. The cremated remains (ashes) will be handled according to the written instructions, or may be picked up by the survivors to do with as they wish, or will be delivered or mailed for a fee of $65. In addition, there are other express options such as Goldstreak and other courier services available.
Q. In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?
A. The cremated remains are placed in a temporary urn which is made of plastic. There are many types of permanent urns for you to select from should you desire to do so.
Q. Are prepaid funds refundable?
A. In accordance with Alaska State Law, all funds placed in a bank trust are 100% refundable plus the interest that has accrued on that account. With the insurance option, the refund cash value would be considerably less than the initial prepaid amount.
Q. May I change my instructions in the future?
A. Yes. You may change any instructions you wish by contacting us in writing.
Q. What happens if the death occurs while outside of the State of Alaska?
A. Call the Cremation Society of Alaska first and we will located a bona fide cremation society in the community you are located in. This will help simplify the arrangements.
Q. Is the Cremation Society licensed by the State of Alaska?
A. Yes. The Society is also staffed by Alaska State Licensed Funeral Directors and Embalmers , as required by law.
Q. What other assistance do you offer my survivors after death?
A. A Cremation Society counselor will help your survivors arrange a Memorial Service, write an obituary, prepare memorial folders, obtain certified copies of the death certificate, arrange cemetery services, select a permanent memorial urn, grave marker or monument, notify the Social Security office and file for the Veteran’s Benefits. If you would like more information, please contact us.
Q. Do Social Security and Veterans’ benefits apply to the Cremation Society services?
A. Yes. There are certain decedents whose heirs may be eligible for social security benefits or veterans’ benefits. Our counselors are available to explain the regulations pertaining to eligibility for these death benefits.
A. Yes. The Society is also staffed by Alaska State Licensed Funeral Directors and Embalmers , as required by law.
Q. What other assistance do you offer my survivors after death?
A. A Cremation Society counselor will help your survivors arrange a Memorial Service, write an obituary, prepare memorial folders, obtain certified copies of the death certificate, arrange cemetery services, select a permanent memorial urn, grave marker or monument, notify the Social Security office and file for the Veteran’s Benefits. If you would like more information, please contact us.
Q. Do Social Security and Veterans’ benefits apply to the Cremation Society services?
A. Yes. There are certain decedents whose heirs may be eligible for social security benefits or veterans’ benefits. Our counselors are available to explain the regulations pertaining to eligibility for these death benefits.
Q. Do Social Security and Veterans’ benefits apply to the Cremation Society services?
A. Yes. There are certain decedents whose heirs may be eligible for social security benefits or veterans’ benefits. Our counselors are available to explain the regulations pertaining to eligibility for these death benefits.
Q. What other assistance do you offer my survivors after death?
A. A Cremation Society counselor will help your survivors arrange a Memorial Service, write an obituary, prepare memorial folders, obtain certified copies of the death certificate, arrange cemetery services, select a permanent memorial urn, grave marker or monument, notify the Social Security office and file for the Veteran’s Benefits. If you would like more information, please contact us.
Q. Do Social Security and Veterans’ benefits apply to the Cremation Society services?
A. Yes. There are certain decedents whose heirs may be eligible for social security benefits or veterans’ benefits. Our counselors are available to explain the regulations pertaining to eligibility for these death benefits.
Q. What other assistance do you offer my survivors after death?
A. A Cremation Society counselor will help your survivors arrange a Memorial Service, write an obituary, prepare memorial folders, obtain certified copies of the death certificate, arrange cemetery services, select a permanent memorial urn, grave marker or monument, notify the Social Security office and file for the Veteran’s Benefits. If you would like more information, please contact us.
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Q. How do I join the Cremation Society of Alaska?A. You may register using the online Membership Registration Form and providing your credit card number. Your credit card will be charged a one-time registration fee of $25 per application. Or you may print the form to fill it out by hand and send it to the Cremation Society of Alaska with a check for $25 per application. The $25 fee defrays the cost of setting up and maintaining your records. It is not refundable, and does not offset the final service costs. After we receive your membership form, either online or by mail, we will register your information and send you two, (2) wallet-sized membership cards and a registration confirmation. As a member, you may call or write us regarding any related questions. A troublesome burden will be removed, and you will be doing a very thoughtful thing for your survivors.
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