Identify what you need
You don’t need to rush. The next 24 hours may feel overwhelming. We are here to help you understand what to expect and what requires immediate attention.
We created this step-by-step guide to help you
navigate this moment with clarity, calm, and compassion.
Our mission is simple: to empower Alabama families with the information and support needed to make dignified, informed decisions about funeral services. We understand this is a challenging time, and our goal is to be your guide. You can reach us by phone or email. As a non-profit organization, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate this process.
We know that when a loved one passes away, many questions arise. That's why we've prepared resources to assist you. We offer a step-by-step guide outlining immediate actions, how to obtain a death certificate, and how to manage interactions with other agencies. We detail the various funeral options available in Alabama, from traditional burial to cremation, and explain terms so you can make confident decisions.
It's crucial to know your rights. Under the FTC Funeral Rule and Alabama laws, you have the right to choose services without pressure. We provide information on getting price lists, selecting only the desired services, and clarifying that embalming is not legally required in most cases. We also answer frequently asked questions and offer a glossary of terms to help you feel more confident when speaking with professionals.
We aim to be completely transparent with you. We reference the Alabama Board of Funeral Service and state laws to ensure our information is accurate and reliable. It's important to know that we are not a licensed funeral home, nor do we sell products or services. Our sole purpose is to be an informational and consulting resource. Our goal is to equip you with knowledge so you can navigate this process with peace and confidence.
You don’t need to rush. The next 24 hours may feel overwhelming. We are here to help you understand what to expect and what requires immediate attention.
Options include choosing the funeral home of your preference and making a call to schedule an appointment.
You are not required to work with any specific funeral provider.
You can choose how to gather with your family, whether outdoors or at home. Whether it's a traditional tribute or something more intimate and personal to be clear about what you want to do with the deceased.
Notify institutions. A legal declaration of death is required, that is, a death certificate that is generally performed by a medical professional. The funeral home takes care of this, but if necessary, in case an autopsy is needed, you can contact the hospital directly.
You are not alone. There are links to grief organizations with cultural sensitivity, references to bilingual counseling, and ways to accompany children and elderly family members in this process (HICA link).
Shelly Sanchez, who has worked in the industry for nine years, is the founder of "Next Step Alabama Funeral Consulting." She studied at Jefferson State Community College, where she graduated as a funeral director. She later returned to graduate as an embalmer and also obtained a cremation license. Alabama Funeral Consultancy and the only Hispanic registered mortician, crematory, and embalmer in Birmingham, Alabama.
After nine years of working in the funeral industry, I've seen firsthand a significant gap in the support people in Alabama receive right after losing a loved one. In those moments of deep sorrow and confusion, families often don't know what to do or who to turn to. The reality is that while funeral homes provide essential guidance, their assistance is often tied to the purchase of their services. That's why I created "next step Alabama Funeral Consulting." My goal is to offer clear and compassionate guidance on the immediate steps to take after a loss, without any conditions. I'm here to provide the support and information you need, helping you navigate this difficult path with greater peace of mind and knowledge.
That's why I created "next step Alabama Funeral Consulting." My goal is to offer clear and compassionate guidance on the immediate steps to take after a loss, without any conditions. I'm here to provide the support and information you need, helping you navigate this difficult path with greater peace of mind and knowledge.
Our Transparency and Commitment: We aim to be completely transparent with you. We reference the Alabama Board of Funeral Service and state laws to ensure our information is accurate and reliable.
It's important to know that we are not a licensed funeral home, nor do we sell products or services. Our sole purpose is to be an informational and consulting resource. We are not a funeral home. We do not sell or provide funeral services, embalming, or funeral merchandise.
Our goal is to equip you with knowledge so you can navigate this process with peace and confidence. The information and advice provided are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal advice. We are here to support your decisions, not to make them for you.
Next Step Alabama Funeral Consultancy is a non-profit educational organization. We provide free guidance and resources to the community to help you understand your funeral options. Our role is solely to offer educational information and free consultation to help you navigate your choices.
Process to Apply for Financial Assistance for Funeral Expenses in Alabama When a person dies and does not have life insurance or sufficient funds to cover funeral expenses, assistance programs are available.
The Alabama Department of Human Services may offer assistance with funeral and burial expenses in certain cases. Available funds vary by county and the deceased's financial situation. Application Process: You will need to contact the DHR office in the county where the deceased resided. The office staff will inform you about the requirements, necessary documentation, and how to begin the process. Contact Information: To find the nearest DHR office, use the Alabama DHR office directory: https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-contact-information/
Some counties in Alabama may have their own funeral assistance programs. Contact your county commissioner's office or the coroner's office to inquire about available options.
The SSA may provide a lump sum death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or eligible children.
To apply for this benefit, you must contact the SSA as soon as possible after the death. You can do so by phone or in person.
View Process Funeral Service GlossaryWe understand that costs can be a concern. That’s why we provide information on various financial assistance options. We explain how to apply for county aid through the Department of Human Resources, which may offer limited assistance based on income. If your loved one was a veteran, we guide you on accessing benefits like subsidies and burial in national cemeteries. We also discuss emergency aid programs, such as those provided by FEMA, and offer fundraising ideas. To save you time, we provide a directory with links to the Alabama Board of Funeral Service and local organizations that can offer support.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't hesitate to call us at any time for any reason. You can be sure that we are here to help you and your family.