Do you know how much cremation costs in South Carolina? Believe it or not, the cost of cremation depends on a lot of factors, including your location. There is no standard price across all of North America, though you’ll find similarities between cities and regions. In South Carolina, the average cost of cremation depends on a few different things.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Average Cost of Cremation in South Carolina
- Popular Crematories in South Carolina
- Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in South Carolina
The more you understand the cost of cremation, the better equipped you are to make your own plans. Whether you’re making your own arrangements in advance or planning a loved one’s funeral, it’s important to know what to expect from this process.
There is a lot of mystery and confusion around funeral pricing and options. That’s why this guide pulls back the curtain on the costs specifically in South Carolina so you can make an informed decision.
Are you planning a cremation in South Carolina? No matter your timeline, read this clear guide to know how much cremation costs in South Carolina. Compared to other states, South Carolina is an affordable place to plan a cremation.
Average Cost of Cremation in South Carolina
Thanks to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules, funeral homes are required to publish their funeral, burial, and cremation prices openly. This means a bit of searching goes a long way, especially if you’re choosing between a cremation or burial. No matter your intentions, the average cremation cost still varies widely.
The average cremation in South Carolina costs anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. This price depends on your location, timeline, and special needs. There is a 24-hour cremation waiting period, so this is something to keep in mind when doing your planning.
Additionally, South Carolina requires bodies to be cremated in a container, adding to the price. Though there are affordable options, South Carolina is one of the trickier states to plan cremations in.
Traditional cremation
First, the most common type of cremation is a traditional cremation. This is the type of cremation most people are familiar with, and it’s also the most expensive choice. A traditional cremation is when the deceased is transported to a funeral home and prepared for a funeral viewing. The body is typically embalmed and prepared for viewing, and this comes at an additional fee.
The family might also choose to purchase a casket for the viewing and cremation. Though completely optional, many families choose this additional service as a way to say their final goodbyes. Because there are more products and services involved with traditional cremation, this costs upwards of $2,000 in South Carolina.
Direct cremation
Another option for those who are more flexible is a direct cremation. Because South Carolina has only a 24-hour waiting period for cremation, families who choose direct cremation save a great deal of money by choosing this option. In a direct cremation, the body is cremated quickly after death. This means there are no preparations taken like embalming, keeping costs low.
In a direct cremation, the body is usually placed in a simple casket or cardboard box. This is more sustainable, and it also doesn’t cost the family anything extra. Direct cremations are significantly cheaper, starting at around $700. For families who don’t need the deceased present at the memorial service, this is a great option.
Popular Crematories in South Carolina
Browsing the most popular crematories in South Carolina is an effective way to learn about your options. Depending on your needs, you might have to browse a handful of providers to find what you’re looking for. Here are the most popular crematories in South Carolina to start your search with confidence.
South Carolina Cremation Society
First, the South Carolina Cremation Society is here to make cremation more affordable. Compared to full-service funeral homes, this is a low-cost provider of simple, direct cremation services. Offering high-quality cremation in the West Columbia area of South Carolina, their simple cremation packages begin at just $1,110.
Westville Funerals
With decades of experience helping families of all backgrounds, Westville Funerals is one of the most trusted cremation providers in the state. With a fully digital process, it’s possible to purchase a prepaid cremation for a special member price starting at $895. Alternatively, you can plan an immediate funeral and cremation for a loved one after death.
The Standard Cremation Center
Owned by the Cambell family, this state-of-the-art crematory is one of the most tech-savvy in the South Carolina region. With over 20 years of caring and experience, cremation packages at the Standard Cremation Center begin at $995. You can also have a memorial onsite with their tribute room. With their unique Golden Key package, you can take part in your loved one’s cremation, feeling included each step of the way.
Watson Funeral Services and Crematory
Located in Conway, SC, Watson Funeral Services and Crematory serves friends and neighbors of Horry County and surrounding areas. Owned by the Watson family, this is a family-run funeral home that offers both pre-need and pre-planning as well as at-need services. As a local family, the Watson team is dedicated to helping their families through the cremation process.
Heritage Cremation
A national provider of cremation that operates in South Carolina is Heritage Cremation Provider. Family-owned and operated, this is a trusted national company with over two decades of experience in the funeral industry. With cremation services starting at $695, this is also one of the most affordable providers in South Carolina.
Palmetto Cremation Society
Lastly, the Palmetto Cremation Society is located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1928, this is the oldest cemetery in the Charleston area. This full-service funeral chapel specializes in cremations, low-cost burials, and memorial items. Their cremation packages begin at $895 for direct cremation and go upwards to $4,895 depending on your needs.
Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in South Carolina
With the costs of funerals increasing every year, more families are looking for ways to make ends meet. Nobody should have to compromise on final arrangements. This is why it’s important to be mindful of the charities that help with funeral costs. These charities, nonprofits, and programs below are designed to reduce the burden for families in South Carolina.
Veteran packages
First, South Carolina businesses care greatly about the state’s many veterans. Many funeral homes and crematoriums offer special discounts for veterans. When making arrangements, ask about any veteran-specific or military family specials. These are a great way to keep costs low for those who served their country.
USA Catholic Church Charities
If your loved one was a member of the Catholic church, USA Catholic Church Charities might be able to help. Many religious groups help with cremation and burials, as well as funeral costs. You can search for help by need, state, and so on. From there, learn more about whether you or your family qualify for assistance.
Veterans Affairs
If your loved one was a veteran, they might qualify for assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This federal agency provides a one-time stipend of $300 for non-service deaths. This can be used for cremation, an urn, or anything related to the funeral costs. Occasionally, this stipend is available for family members of servicemen and women as well.
Social Security
While South Carolina doesn’t have any state-specific government programs to help with funeral or cremation expenses, you can still access a one-time death benefit from the Social Security Administration. Any eligible surviving spouse (or adult child) can receive a $255 one-time payment. This can be used for any final expenses, including funerals and cremations.
Final Farewell
For parents of deceased children under the age of 18, funerals and cremations can be unexpected. Final Farewell offers guidance and financial assistance to families who face this type of devastating loss. Some families qualify to have all funeral and cremation services paid for. Read through the eligibility requirements to see if you or your family qualifies.
FEMA Funeral Reimbursement
Last but not least, FEMA also helps those who have died due to a natural disaster or national pandemic. Though they provide aid to families after hurricanes, tornados, and storms, this isn’t all they help families with. Recently, they announced the funeral reimbursement program for COVID-19. This program pays families a reimbursement for deaths caused by the pandemic.
Find a Cremation Provider in South Carolina
Now that you’ve seen behind the scenes of crematoriums and funeral homes in South Carolina, you know what to expect from this process. Though navigating different pricing structures can be confusing, education is key. The more you understand about the cost of cremations and funerals, the better prepared you are to make a confident decision.
Whether you’re planning a cremation for yourself or a loved one, now is the time to learn what you can. Cremations don’t have to be expensive, but you need to consider what matters the most to you. There are no one-size-fits-all final sendoffs. How will you prepare for the future?
If you're a South Carolina resident and ready to start preparing your own end-of-life planning documents, Cake has Advance Care Planning forms you can download. To help ease your planning, we have all the documents you need in one place.
Source:
- “South Carolina.” US Funerals Online. Us-Funeral.com.