Funerals can cause significant stress for family and friends as they make their loved one’s final arrangements. Luckily, you can help minimize the burden during this emotional time by prepaying through a burial trust. Learn more about this option below to help you determine if it's right for you.

Common Questions About Burial Trusts

What are burial trusts?

Also known as a "pre-need program," a burial trust funds funeral costs before a person's death. This arrangement is bound by a contract set up by a funeral home or cemetery. You can determine how much money you'll add to the account, lock the price, and then fund the burial trust with cash, life insurance, savings bonds, or a payment plan.

What funeral expenses can be paid?

You can ensure payment for several final expenses with a burial trust, including embalming or cremation, funeral services, visitation, a casket or urn, transportation, funeral home usage, and clergies. It may also pay for your burial clothing, headstone, and death certificate.

Who can set up a trust?

Any adult can set up a burial trust. However, this service is often used by people over the age of 50. It's also possible to set up the trust for yourself or an immediate family member, including a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or stepchild.

What’s the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts?

There are two types of burial trusts you can pay into: The first is revocable and can be altered or revoked at any time, and the second option is irrevocable. This trust doesn't allow for any changes, and the money can only be used to pay for the funeral service. Despite the strict guidelines, an irrevocable burial trust may help you or a loved one qualify for long-term Medicaid benefits because the trust may be funded with resources that would otherwise be used to determine Medicaid eligibility.

To ensure your funeral expenses are covered without burdening your family, contact the caring staff at Porto Funeral Homes. For more than 75 years, this funeral home has provided residents throughout New Haven County, CT, with personalized services, including pre-arrangements for funerals. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online today. To discuss your needs with a funeral director, call (203) 467-3000 for East Haven and 203-934-5000 for West Haven.