No-Cost Direct Cremation
A dignified cremation option for families who qualify for Monroe County assistance
Losing someone is difficult enough without worrying about how you are going to afford their final arrangements. Monroe County offers a Funeral Assistance Program for individuals and families who do not have sufficient financial resources to pay for funeral or cremation expenses.
For families approved for Monroe County cremation assistance, Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services accepts the County’s approved cremation benefit as payment in full for the funeral home services included in our direct cremation package.
That means there is no additional funeral home service charge to the family for the services included below.
The family is responsible for the current $303 crematory fee, along with any optional merchandise or other third-party expenses they choose or incur.
What Is Included?
Our Monroe County No-Cost Direct Cremation package includes:
- Transfer of your loved one into our care
- Professional services of our funeral director and staff
- Making the necessary cremation arrangements and authorizations
- Minimum alternative cremation container
- Transportation to the crematory
- Return of the cremated remains to Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services
- Temporary container for the cremated remains
There is no additional Farrell-Ryan funeral home charge for these services when the individual has been approved for the applicable Monroe County cremation assistance benefit.
What Costs Are Not Included?
The Monroe County benefit and our no-cost package do not cover every possible expense associated with a cremation.
The family is responsible for:
- $303 crematory fee This is a separate charge from the third-party crematory that performs the cremation
Additional expenses may also apply if selected or required, including:
- Certified death certificates
- Urns or other merchandise beyond the temporary container
- Newspaper obituary charges
- Additional transportation outside the included service area
- Private viewing or visitation
- Memorial or funeral services
- Cemetery or interment expenses
- Other third-party or cash-advance expenses
None of these additional services or merchandise are required in order to receive our basic no-cost direct cremation package.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is determined solely by Monroe County, not by Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services.
The County's Funeral Assistance Program is administered through the Monroe County Department of Human Services and is intended to assist families who do not have sufficient financial resources available for funeral expenses.
As part of the application process, Monroe County may review financial information relating to the deceased and certain legally responsible relatives, including available income, bank accounts, life insurance, Social Security or veterans benefits, and other assets.
Receiving Medicaid, Social Security, disability benefits or other assistance does not automatically guarantee approval. Monroe County makes the final eligibility determination.
How Do I Apply?
Because there is a limited period in which an application can be submitted, we encourage families to contact us as soon as possible after a death.
Monroe County currently requires the Funeral Assistance Grant application to be completed within three business days of the death and before final disposition takes place. An interview is also required as part of the application process.
Monroe County Funeral Assistance Program
Monroe County Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
244 S. Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, NY 14608
585-232-3386
We can also help you understand the process and assist in coordinating with Monroe County.
What Happens After Approval?
Once Monroe County approves the cremation assistance benefit, Farrell-Ryan will coordinate the direct cremation arrangements with your family.
For qualifying families, we accept the approved Monroe County benefit as payment in full for the funeral home services included in this package.
The family pays only:
$303 Crematory Fee
plus any optional merchandise, additional services or outside expenses they choose.
There is no requirement to purchase an upgraded urn, memorial service, viewing or other merchandise from Farrell-Ryan in order to receive this package.
Why Does Farrell-Ryan Offer This?
We believe financial hardship should not prevent a family from having their loved one cared for with dignity and respect.
By accepting the applicable Monroe County cremation assistance benefit as payment in full for our included funeral home services, we are able to provide families who qualify with a simple, dignified option without an additional funeral home service bill.
Our goal is to make the process understandable and straightforward, particularly at a time when families already have enough to worry about.
Have Questions or Think You May Qualify?
Please call us.
Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services
777 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14612
585-225-0248
We can explain the cremation process, answer questions about our package and help you get in touch with the Monroe County Funeral Assistance Program.
Eligibility and benefit approval are determined by Monroe County. Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services is not affiliated with Monroe County and cannot guarantee approval.
