Funeral Costs & Information

Funeral Pricing & Funeral Financial Assistance Information

What is the Average Cost of a Funeral Service?

Since Saamis began in 1990, we have received enormous support from the people of Medicine Hat and surrounding areas. Our main objective is to provide compassionate and caring service at fair and affordable prices. At the time of the death of a loved one, we are faced with many important and stressful decisions in the midst of deep sorrow. Our qualified staff is always here to respond to your need and requirements of you and your family. They will provide answers to all of your questions, offer suggestions when making decisions, and provide comfort and quiet strength.
 
The average funeral costs usually include the use of our funeral home's facilities and equipment, transportation, motor vehicles, and professional services provided by our staff. If you choose burial, burial costs will also be a factor. However, consumer preferences typically dictate the cost of items such as the casket, vault or grave liner, memorial urn (for cremation only), clothing, flowers, the 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 to a few hundred dollars. The material, the quality of workmanship, and the grade of interior fabric dictate the price. Often, caskets are 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 the family has selected. Again, the prices of caskets and urns depend upon the materials and workmanship quality.
funeral service quotes in Medicine Hat  average cost of a funeral
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 require additional information.

How to Get Funeral Financial Assistance

Funeral expenses often come at an unexpected time. The following are brief descriptions of organizations that may offer to help with funeral costs. Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium will be pleased to provide further information should you desire it.
  • Alberta Seniors Benefit. A particular program for widows ages 65 and older who qualify for assistance.
  • Alberta Works Income Support. A particular program for people under 65 years who qualify for assistance.
  • Allowance for the Survivor. A Federal Government program for widows/widowers who qualify and are between the age of 60 and 64.
  • Life Insurance Policies. Pay the death benefits as set out by the policy directly to the named beneficiaries.
  • Public Trustee. Will authorize an allowance for the funeral costs if this office was looking after the deceased's affairs. It's essential to contact the Public Trustee's office before funeral arrangements are made.
  • Compassionate Air Fare. Many airlines provide for families attending a funeral or a sick family member where death is imminent. Check with the particular airline for details.
  • Crimes Compensation Board. Can authorize funds toward funeral costs, loss of support by dependents of the victim, and other expenses should death occur from a crime of violence.
  • Canada Pension Plan. The available benefits include Survivor's Benefit, 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).
  • Workers' Compensation Board. May make funds available to spouses, children, and other dependents providing the cause of death is attributed to the workplace.
  • Company, Union, Fraternal, Organizational Benefits. It may be available depending upon the employer or organization.
  • Social Services/Income Support. May provide government assistance if financial eligibility is met.
  • Cheques (Canada Pension, Supplemental Benefits, Company Pension etc.). Received as income for the month the death occurred becomes the property of the deceased person's estate.
  • The Last Post Fund/Veterans Affairs. 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 & 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 the standard. It was what everyone expected.

But, as the demand for cremation services increases, there has been a shift in the types of services available. Many more families are choosing cremation and holding a memorial service afterward. Family members and friends still come together to pay their respects to the deceased and find emotional support. Still, they do 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 alone; we're here to help. That's what we do; it's our passion to help families celebrate the life of their loved ones. So just reach out to us; let us know what you'd like, and we'll tell you how we can assist you. Whether you are looking for information on where to get help with funeral costs or would like to know more about the average cost of a funeral, our dedicated team of professionals are here for you and your family.
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