How much does cremation pre-planning cost per month?

Cremation pre-planning through After.com starts as low as $25/month with no money down. Three plan tiers are available: Base ($25/mo), Crest ($30/mo), and Summit ($40/mo). Payment terms are typically 3-year or 5-year installments, or you can pay in full upfront. All plans include the core cremation service, transportation (25 miles), a dedicated care specialist, secure refrigeration, a cremation container, online obituary, and a year of grief support. Higher tiers add price-lock guarantees, travel protection, premium urns, and death certificates.

What does a basic cremation plan include?

A basic cremation plan from After.com includes everything needed for a complete direct cremation, starting at under $1,000 for immediate need. That covers: safe transfer of your loved one into their care, all required legal authorizations and permits, dignified cremation, a temporary scattering urn on request, a cremation container for those under 200 lbs, secure refrigeration for 3 business days, return of remains via USPS Priority Mail with tracking or local courier, an online obituary listing, a dedicated care specialist, and one year of grief support. What it does not include: embalming, viewing, funeral ceremony, casket, burial plot, or headstone.

What do I do when someone dies at home?

If your loved one dies at home without hospice, call 911 first, then call After.com at 844-905-2639. Emergency personnel will respond and make an official determination. Once that is complete, After.com coordinates pickup from your home. If your loved one is under hospice care, skip 911 and ask the hospice nurse to contact After.com directly. The nurse will coordinate the transfer, and After.com typically arrives within 1 to 2 hours. You are allowed to remain at home with your loved one for up to 24 hours before transport is required. After.com staff arrives in a discreet van, dressed professionally.

What do I do when someone dies at a hospital or in hospice care?

Notify the hospital or hospice facility that you have chosen After.com, and they will coordinate the release directly. You do not need to arrange transportation yourself. For hospice care at home, ask the hospice nurse to call After.com at 844-905-2639. Pickup typically happens within 1 to 2 hours. For hospital deaths, inform the hospital staff of your choice and the facility will authorize the release to After.com once paperwork is complete. After.com handles the transfer, documentation, legal permits, and all next steps. If your loved one pre-planned with After.com, the process moves even faster because their wishes and information are already on file.

How long does the cremation process take from start to finish?

The complete process from death to return of remains takes approximately 3 weeks, though it is often faster for pre-registered or pre-paid families. After.com picks up your loved one and places them in a climate-controlled facility within 24 hours. They then gather all required legal authorizations and permits, which depends on county processing speed and doctor certification timelines. The actual cremation happens in the days immediately following authorization. Remains are returned via USPS Priority Mail with tracking or local courier. Death certificates typically arrive within 2 to 3 weeks after cremation is completed.

Does the cremation company pick up the body?

Yes. After.com handles all transportation as part of their cremation service. Their team arrives in a discreet van, dressed professionally, and transfers your loved one safely into their care. Transportation is included for up to 25 miles in all plans. For at-home deaths under hospice, pickup typically happens within 1 to 2 hours. For hospital or facility deaths, After.com coordinates directly with the institution once they authorize the release. Your loved one is placed in a climate-controlled facility within 24 hours. You do not need to arrange any transportation yourself.

What happens to the body before cremation?

Your loved one is picked up by After.com's team, transported in a discreet van, and placed in a dignified climate-controlled facility within 24 hours. After.com does not perform embalming. The body is safely held in refrigerated storage while the team gathers all required legal authorizations, permits, and documentation. Once authorizations are complete, cremation happens in the days immediately following. There is no viewing or funeral service beforehand unless you arrange one separately. The body is cremated in a simple cremation container included in the plan for those under 200 lbs.

Do you need a funeral service before cremation?

No. Direct cremation means cremation happens without a viewing or funeral service beforehand, and that is exactly what After.com provides. You have complete flexibility to hold a memorial, celebration of life, or gathering on your own terms, either before or after cremation. Many families choose to hold an informal memorial at home, a park, or a meaningful location days or weeks later, without the time pressure and cost of a traditional funeral home service. If you do want a formal viewing or service before cremation, you would need to arrange that through a traditional funeral home separately, as After.com specializes in direct cremation only.

Why is direct cremation so much cheaper than a funeral home?

Direct cremation eliminates the most expensive components of a traditional funeral: embalming ($725+), casket ($2,400+), burial plot ($2,000+), vault ($1,400+), and venue and staff fees ($2,100+ base). The median traditional funeral costs nearly $9,000 according to the NFDA. Direct cremation involves a single transfer, the cremation itself, and return of remains. The simplicity is the savings. You can still hold a memorial or celebration of life separately, on your own terms and budget, without paying funeral home markup.

Is cremation more affordable than traditional burial?

Yes, significantly. Direct cremation can cost under $1,000, while the average traditional burial costs approximately $7,848. That is a savings of $6,000 or more. Traditional burial expenses include embalming ($725+), a casket ($2,400+), a cemetery plot ($2,000+), vault ($1,400+), headstone, gravedigger fees, and ongoing maintenance. Cremation eliminates all of those. After.com keeps costs low by operating online with upfront, transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Pre-planning locks in today's price and can be spread over monthly payments starting at $25/month.

What if I cannot afford cremation?

After.com offers flexible monthly payment plans through Lilypay with 3, 6, or 12 month installment options so you do not need to pay the full amount upfront. For pre-planning, you can start at $25/month with no money down. For immediate need, contact After.com at 844-905-2639 to discuss payment options. After.com direct cremation pricing is under $1,000 in many areas, which is already a fraction of the $7,848 average traditional funeral cost. Other options to explore: some states have indigent cremation programs through the county, veterans may qualify for VA burial benefits, and some nonprofits offer emergency funeral assistance.

Does life insurance pay for cremation?

Yes, life insurance can pay for cremation, but there is a timing problem: death benefits typically take weeks or months to process, and cremation costs are due upfront. That is why After.com recommends a separate pre-paid cremation plan even if you have life insurance. With a pre-plan, the cremation is already funded through a dedicated final expense insurance policy, so your family pays nothing out of pocket when the time comes. If you are relying on life insurance for an immediate need, your family will likely need to cover cremation costs upfront and wait for reimbursement. After.com offers flexible payment plans through Lilypay with 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments for immediate-need families.

Can I get cremation insurance or pre-plan with pre-existing health conditions?

Yes. After.com pre-plans use a final expense insurance policy, and acceptance is generally available regardless of health status. Unlike traditional life insurance that requires medical underwriting, preneed and final expense policies typically have simplified or guaranteed acceptance. The tradeoff is a two-year contestable period: if you pass within the first two years, the full benefit may not be paid out. After that period, you are fully covered. Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you from pre-planning.

Does a cremation pre-plan transfer if I move to another state?

Yes. After.com pre-plans include out-of-area protection, and the underlying insurance policy is valid nationwide. Your premiums are paid to a national insurance carrier licensed in all 50 states, so your coverage follows you. Crest and Summit plans specifically include nationwide or international travel protection. If you want to switch funeral providers entirely, the policy can also transfer to another funeral home. You are not locked into After.com. When evaluating any preneed contract, always confirm it has a transfer clause so you can move without penalty.

Do I need my spouse or family approval to pre-plan my cremation?

No. You do not need anyone's permission to pre-plan your own cremation. A cremation pre-plan is a personal decision and a legal agreement between you and the provider. You are the policyholder and can designate any beneficiaries you choose. That said, informing your family is strongly recommended so they know your wishes and can act on your plan when the time comes. After.com allows you to name multiple beneficiaries and record your preferences so there is no confusion later.

How do I pre-plan cremation for myself without it feeling morbid?

Reframe it as a gift to your family, not a reminder of death. You are recording how you want to be remembered and celebrated, which is an act of love, not dread. The entire arrangement can be done online in minutes from your couch, so there is no somber funeral home visit. Focus on what you are preventing: your family making rushed $9,000+ decisions while grieving. Many people find that once it is done, they feel genuine relief. Think of it like writing a will: uncomfortable for five minutes, then peace of mind for years.

How does my family use my pre-planned cremation when the time comes?

Your family simply calls After.com, and the team handles everything from there. After.com files a claim with the insurance provider to access your policy benefit and coordinates all arrangements: transportation, authorizations, cremation, and return of remains. Your recorded wishes guide the process so your family does not have to make difficult decisions under pressure. The entire process typically takes less than two weeks. If the policy is fully paid, there is no cost to your family.

What if I miss a payment on my cremation plan or cannot afford monthly payments?

If you pass before completing payments, premiums already paid remain available toward your cremation services, with any shortfall owed by your family. There are no penalties for paying off your policy early, and you can choose 3-year or 5-year installment terms starting at $25/mo. If you have paid more than the cost of services, the excess is returned to your family. The key risk of lapsed payments is during the two-year contestable period. Contact After.com directly to discuss hardship options rather than simply stopping payments.

Can I change or cancel my cremation plan after I sign up?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund within 30 days of signing. After the 30-day window, no refunds are available on premiums already paid, but the money stays allocated toward your future cremation services. You can pay off your policy early with no penalties, and the policy can be transferred to a different funeral home if you change providers. You have a risk-free month to decide, and even after that, your money is not lost.

What is included in a cremation plan and what is not?

All After.com plans include: honorable cremation, transportation (25 miles), secure refrigeration (3 business days), a cremation container, a temporary scattering urn on request, an online obituary, a dedicated care specialist, and one year of grief support. Not included unless you upgrade: price-lock guarantee (Crest and above), premium urns, death certificates beyond one, travel protection, fingerprint preservation, and financial account discovery. The Base plan carries a $75 administrative fee. Weight surcharges may apply over 200 lbs. Viewings, embalming, and funeral ceremonies are not part of any plan.

What is the difference between After.com and Neptune Society?

After.com is a fully online, transparent-pricing cremation provider. Neptune Society is a traditional preneed cremation chain with in-person sales and local offices. After.com lets you arrange everything online in minutes with upfront pricing, while Neptune Society typically requires consultations and has been known for sales pressure. After.com premiums go directly to a national insurance carrier, which protects your money if the provider ever closes. After.com plans start at $25/month. Both offer direct cremation. The core difference is a modern, transparent experience versus a legacy model.

How do I talk to my family about pre-planning my cremation?

Lead with your reason. You are doing this to protect them, not to be morbid. Frame the conversation around relieving their future burden: you do not want them making $9,000 decisions while grieving. Share that you have already looked into it and have a plan, which makes the conversation feel proactive rather than heavy. Cover where your documents are, what your wishes are, and who to call. Many families find the conversation brings relief and closeness. Pick a calm, everyday moment and keep it short.

How do I get a death certificate after cremation?

After.com orders death certificates on your behalf once the death is officially registered with the County Health Department. Certified copies typically arrive within 2 to 3 weeks after cremation is completed, though timelines vary by county processing speed and how quickly the attending physician signs off. The Crest plan includes 1 complimentary death certificate and the Summit plan includes 4 with 12 months of error protection. You will need certified copies for closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, transferring property, and settling the estate. Most families need between 4 and 10 copies. Order enough upfront because reordering later takes additional time.

Can you divide cremation ashes between family members?

Yes, cremation ashes can be divided among family members. There are no laws prohibiting it, and it is a common practice. A typical adult cremation produces 3 to 7 pounds of remains, which is more than enough to share. You can use smaller keepsake urns, jewelry pendants, or other memorial containers to distribute portions among loved ones. After.com provides a temporary scattering urn with their plans, and you can purchase additional keepsake urns from any retailer. Just ensure the primary recipient listed on the cremation authorization agrees to the division.

What can I do with cremation ashes, including scattering?

You have many options: keep them in an urn at home, scatter them in a meaningful location, divide them among family, or transform them into memorial keepsakes. Common choices include scattering at sea, scattering in nature, planting with a memorial tree, placing in a columbarium niche, or burying in a cemetery. Keepsake options include cremation jewelry, glass art, diamonds, or reef memorials. After.com provides a temporary scattering urn on request with all plans. Always check local ordinances before scattering on public property. Many families choose a combination: keep some, scatter some, and share the rest with loved ones.

What do real customers say about After.com?

After.com holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating across 932+ reviews, making it one of the most highly reviewed cremation providers in the areas it serves. Families consistently praise After.com for its transparent pricing, compassionate care team, and the simplicity of arranging everything online during an overwhelming time. Customers value that the price they see is the price they pay, with no surprise fees at a vulnerable moment. The high rating spans all service types: immediate need, passing soon, and pre-planning.

How to Get a Death Certificate in Illinois | After

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In Illinois, you can order a certified death certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or from the clerk of the county where the death occurred. The state charges $19 for the first copy, and its mail queue runs about 12 weeks. County clerks are often quicker. This guide covers both routes, with a section on Cook County.

State IDPH or your county clerk: where to apply

The IDPH Division of Vital Records in Springfield takes orders online and by mail. It does not send updates while a request is in its queue.

IDPH also tells families they can contact the county clerk where the death occurred. County clerks set their own fees, hours and turnaround, so it is worth a phone call before you choose. The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders keeps a directory of county clerks.

Who can request a certified copy?

Eligible relationships and legal interests

Illinois death records are not public records. IDPH releases them only to people with a personal or property right interest in the record. That includes:

A relative of the person who died, including a spouse
Someone with a property right interest, such as a car title or a property deed
An attorney, or someone acting for the estate

If you are not a relative, send a letter or document from the office or agency that needs the certificate.

Identity and supporting documents

Every request needs a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. IDPH returns requests that arrive without one.

If your ID has expired, IDPH still accepts it with extra documents:

Expired less than six months ago: add one document showing your name and current address
Expired more than six months ago, or no photo ID: send a bill or other mail showing your name and current address, plus a second item such as a bank statement or insurance card

Social Security cards are not accepted as identification.

What to prepare before ordering

Your loved one's full legal name
The date of death, and the city or county where it happened
Their date of birth, birthplace and parents' names, if you know them
Your relationship to them, and what you need the copy for
Your photo ID
A credit card for online orders, or a check or money order for mail

How to order an Illinois death certificate

Online ordering through an official route

IDPH takes online orders through VitalChek. Start from the IDPH page on obtaining a death certificate so you reach the right order form. A major credit card is required.

By mail

Complete the state's Application for Search of Death Record Files and sign it. Include a photocopy of your photo ID and a check or money order payable to IDPH. Do not send cash. Mail it to:

Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 110 W. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704-2610

In person or through the provider handling arrangements

The state's ordering page lists online and mail orders. For in-person service, ask your county clerk.

If a funeral or cremation provider is handling arrangements, they can usually order certified copies when the death is registered. Ask how many they are ordering before you place your own request.

Cook County ordering options

The Cook County Clerk keeps the records of deaths that happen in Chicago and suburban Cook County. You need to show you are a relative or can prove a financial interest.

Online or by phone: through VitalChek, or toll-free at (866) 252-8974
In person: at the downtown Chicago office or one of three suburban courthouses, where most records are printed while you wait. Checks are not accepted in person.
By mail: send proof of your relationship or financial interest, a photocopy of your photo ID, a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk, a self-addressed stamped envelope and your phone number to Cook County Clerk's Office, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 641070, Chicago, IL 60664-1070

See the Cook County Clerk's death certificate page for office locations. Families arranging a cremation in the area can also find local help on our Chicago and Cook County pages.

Download the Illinois ordering guide

Our companion guide puts the state and Cook County steps on a few printable pages.

Download the Illinois death certificate ordering guide (PDF).

Fees and payment methods

First and additional copies

Fees listed on November 10, 2026:

IDPH: $19 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy
Cook County Clerk: $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy

IDPH describes the $19 copy as the full certified copy. Its death records page also lists a $10 short form that leaves out the cause of death, so ask the organization requesting the certificate which one it needs.

Vendor, shipping and optional charges

IDPH online: a $15 handling fee, and $22 for UPS delivery within the U.S. if you choose it
Cook County online: $12.45 for processing and standard postage
Cook County in person: a $1.75 fee on credit card payments or $1.25 on debit

Processing times and delivery

IDPH says mail requests take approximately 12 weeks from the time it receives your paperwork. For an urgent need, it asks you to send the request by overnight delivery with proof of the urgency and a prepaid overnight return envelope, and lists 5 to 7 business days for a certified copy in those cases.

Cook County says online orders take 10 to 15 business days by regular mail, or 5 to 10 by UPS, once approved. In person, most records are printed while you wait.

These are office processing times. Delivery is extra. For more on timing, see how long it takes to get a death certificate.

How many certified copies should you request?

List the organizations you need to notify and ask each whether it needs a certified copy and whether it returns it. Additional copies cost less when ordered with the first. Our guides on how many death certificates you need and who needs a copy can help you count.

If you need a correction or another copy

Order more copies at any time from IDPH or the county clerk.

To fix an error, IDPH uses its Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request, sent with supporting documents. What you send depends on the change. A correction to the cause of death needs a worksheet signed by the certifying physician. IDPH's fee schedule lists corrections at $15, which includes one copy, and $2 for each additional copy. See IDPH's correction page.

If the death occurred in a neighboring state

Order from the state where the death happened, not the state where your loved one lived. We have guides for Indiana and Wisconsin. For any other state, start with our national guide to getting a death certificate.

How After helps families in its Illinois service areas

After arranges cremations online and by phone in certain areas of Illinois. Families who arrange with us have a dedicated care team that explains the paperwork, including how death certificates are ordered here. We can't change the state's eligibility rules or speed up a government office.

"The process was so easy and the representative was knowledgeable, patient and kind. Definitely would recommend this company to everyone." Kathy, customer review on After.com

See cremation services in Illinois, view pricing for your location, or call (844) 905-2639. We provide cremation services only where we hold the required state licenses.

Questions families ask

Who can order an Illinois death certificate? Relatives, and others with a personal or property right interest in the record.

What ID and relationship documents will I need? A valid government photo ID. Non-relatives also send a letter from the office or agency that needs the certificate.

Can I order online, by mail or in person? Online or by mail from the state. County clerks, including Cook County, also serve people in person.

What does the first copy cost, and are extra-copy or vendor fees separate? $19 from IDPH and $4 for each additional copy. Online handling and UPS delivery are charged separately.

How long does the specific issuing office take, excluding delivery where applicable? About 12 weeks for IDPH mail requests. Cook County prints most records while you wait in person.

Which type of copy should I request for the organization asking for it? Ask them. IDPH's full certified copy includes the cause of death, and its short form does not.

Can the provider handling arrangements help with the request? Yes. They can usually order copies when the death is registered.

What if the death occurred outside Illinois? Order from the state where the death happened.

How can I correct an error or request more copies? Use IDPH's Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request for errors. Order more copies from IDPH or the county clerk.

Where can I download the Illinois ordering guide? From the download link in this article.

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Dallin Preece

CRO, After.com - Cremation & Preplanning Divisions

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