Glossary
What is preneed?
Preneed, or pre-need, refers to arranging and often paying for funeral or cremation services in advance, before death. A preneed plan lets a person choose their arrangements ahead of time and can lock in or set aside funds to cover the cost.
Preneed planning ranges from simply recording your wishes to a funded contract paid through a trust or insurance policy. It can spare your family from making decisions and payments while grieving.
Consumer protections for preneed money vary by state, and plans differ in how funds are held and whether they are portable if you move or change providers. Read the contract carefully and confirm what is guaranteed before paying.
Related terms
Cremation authorization
Cremation authorization refers to the signed legal permission required before a body can be cremated. It is given by the legally authorized next of kin or a designated agent, and crematories will not proceed without it.
Veterans burial benefits
Veterans burial benefits are services the US Department of Veterans Affairs provides for eligible veterans, which can include burial in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Disposition
Disposition refers to the final handling of a body — most commonly burial, entombment, cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis. The method of disposition is recorded on official paperwork and usually requires authorization from the legal next of kin.
See also
Common questions about Preneed
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.