What Dignity Memorial bills are and how to pay them
Dignity Memorial is a network of funeral homes and cemeteries across the United States. When you receive a bill from Dignity Memorial, it is usually for funeral services, cremation, burial, or cemetery plot maintenance. The bill may come from a specific funeral home location or from Dignity Memorial's central billing office.
You can pay a Dignity Memorial bill by phone, mail, or online. To pay by phone, call the funeral home or cemetery location directly — the phone number should be on your bill. To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on the bill. To pay online, visit the Dignity Memorial website and look for their bill pay portal, or contact your local funeral home to ask if they accept online payments through their own system.
If you are unsure which Dignity Memorial location issued your bill, call 1-800-500-4585 (Dignity Memorial's main customer service line) and provide your bill number. They can direct you to the right payment method and answer questions about what services the bill covers.
Key Takeaways
- Dignity Memorial bills cover funeral services, cremation, burial, or cemetery maintenance, and the payment method depends on which location issued the bill.
- You can pay by phone directly to the funeral home, by mail to the address on your bill, or online through Dignity Memorial's website or the local funeral home's payment portal.
- If you do not know which location to contact, call Dignity Memorial's main line at 1-800-500-4585 with your bill number.
- If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the funeral home or cemetery directly to ask about payment plans or hardship options.
Understanding what is included in a Dignity Memorial bill
A Dignity Memorial bill typically itemizes charges for specific services. These may include the funeral service itself, embalming, cremation, casket or urn, cemetery plot, headstone or marker, and ongoing maintenance fees for the grave or plot. Some bills also include charges for flowers, transportation, or memorial books.
The bill should list each service separately with its cost. If you do not recognize a charge or do not understand what a line item covers, call the funeral home location listed on the bill and ask for an explanation. Funeral homes are required to provide an itemized price list before or at the time of service, so you have the right to know what each charge is for.
What happens if you cannot pay the full amount
If you receive a large Dignity Memorial bill and cannot pay it all at once, contact the funeral home or cemetery location directly. Many funeral homes offer payment plans that let you pay over several months. The terms vary by location, so ask what options are available and whether there are any fees for setting up a plan.
Some funeral homes may also discuss hardship situations if you are facing financial difficulty. Be honest about your situation when you call — the worst outcome is that they say no, but many locations have worked with families in similar circumstances. If the funeral home cannot help, you may also look into whether a local nonprofit or religious organization offers funeral assistance.
Ongoing cemetery maintenance fees and how they work
If your Dignity Memorial bill includes a charge for cemetery maintenance or "perpetual care," this is an annual or one-time fee that covers the upkeep of the grave site or plot. The cemetery uses this money to maintain the grounds, mow the lawn, and keep the area in good condition.
Some cemeteries charge this fee once when you purchase the plot, while others charge it yearly. Check your bill to see whether the charge is labeled as a one-time fee or an annual renewal. If you are unsure whether you owe this fee every year or just once, call the cemetery directly and ask. They can tell you the schedule and what the fee covers.
Disputing charges or requesting an explanation
If you believe a charge on your Dignity Memorial bill is wrong, or if you were charged for a service you did not receive, contact the funeral home or cemetery in writing. Include your bill number, the charge you are questioning, and a brief explanation of why you believe it is incorrect. Keep a copy of your letter.
Dignity Memorial locations are required to respond to written complaints. If you do not hear back within a reasonable time, or if the local funeral home cannot resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with your state's funeral board or consumer protection office. Your state funeral board can investigate and may require the funeral home to correct the bill or refund charges.
Setting up automatic or recurring payments
If you have a payment plan with a Dignity Memorial location, ask whether you can set up automatic payments from your bank account. This reduces the chance you will miss a payment and may simplify your monthly budget. Some funeral homes allow this; others require you to call or mail a check each month.
If automatic payments are available, ask the funeral home for the details: the amount, the date each month it will be withdrawn, and how to stop or change it if your situation changes. Get this information in writing so you have a record.
How missed payments affect your account
If you miss a payment on a Dignity Memorial bill or payment plan, the funeral home may charge a late fee or interest, depending on your agreement. A missed payment may also be reported to a credit bureau, which can affect your credit score. The funeral home may also contact you by phone or mail to ask for payment.
If you know you will be late with a payment, call the funeral home before the due date and explain your situation. They may be willing to give you extra time or adjust your plan. Waiting until after you miss a payment makes it harder to negotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Dignity Memorial bill with a credit card?
Many Dignity Memorial locations accept credit cards, but not all do. Call the funeral home or cemetery directly to ask what payment methods they take. Some locations may charge a processing fee for credit card payments, so ask about that too.
What if I inherited a cemetery plot and now owe maintenance fees?
If you inherited a plot and received a bill for perpetual care or maintenance, contact the cemetery to confirm you are the current owner. Ask whether the fee is a one-time charge or annual. If you do not want to keep the plot, ask the cemetery whether you can sell it back or transfer it to someone else.
How do I know if my Dignity Memorial bill is legitimate?
A legitimate bill will come from a specific Dignity Memorial funeral home or cemetery location and will list that location's name and phone number. If you are unsure, call the location directly using the phone number on the bill. Do not call a number from an email or text message — look up the funeral home's number yourself.
Can I dispute a bill after I have already paid part of it?
Yes. If you paid part of a bill and later realize a charge is wrong, contact the funeral home in writing with your bill number and an explanation. They should investigate even if you have already made payments. Keep records of what you paid and when.
What should I do if a Dignity Memorial location is not responding to my payment plan request?
Try calling the location again and ask to speak with a manager. If they still do not respond, send a written request by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. You can also file a complaint with your state's funeral board, which has authority to investigate funeral homes.