Free Cremation Options in Las Vegas, Nevada

Free Cremation Services in Las Vegas: Programs, Resources, and Eligibility

If you are seeking free cremation or affordable cremation near you in Las Vegas, this guide will provide the information you need. Whether you have financial challenges or are looking for an affordable way to honor your loved one, we present a variety of options. This includes government assistance, charitable organizations that provide support, and free cremation services by donating your loved one’s body to medical science.

Today, most families choose cremation over burial, especially in Nevada. Nevada has the highest rate of cremation in the nation at 83%. So, let’s explain the different types of cremation, the average costs, and how you can find help paying the costs.

What Are the Three Types of Cremation?

The three types of cremation are:

1. Direct cremation
2. Traditional cremation
3. Cremation with a Funeral Ceremony

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable cremation type. It involves cremating the body shortly after death, without a funeral or memorial service. It eliminates the costs associated with embalming, caskets, and large gatherings, making it ideal for families seeking low-cost, affordable cremation services.

Traditional Cremation

Traditional cremation includes some funeral services before the cremation. It often includes a viewing or visitation, embalming, and a ceremony, which can be held at a funeral home or another venue. While it offers more opportunities for remembrance, it is more expensive than direct cremation.

Cremation With a Funeral Ceremony

This option combines cremation with a full funeral service, including a wake, procession, and post-cremation interment or scattering of the remains. It closely mirrors traditional burial ceremonies, but the body is cremated instead of buried.

How Long Does It Take to Get Cremated in Nevada?

The cremation process in Nevada generally takes one to three weeks from the time of death, although the process must begin immediately to avoid decomposition.

Before cremation can occur, the proper paperwork must be completed:

• Death certificates must be signed by a physician or medical examiner, the funeral director/service provider, and the county registrar.
• The county must issue a burial-transit permit.
• The next of kin must give written permission unless the deceased made arrangements before death.

Once the paperwork is finalized, the cremation is scheduled, which may vary based on the provider. The cremation can take between two to four hours.

How Much Does It Cost to Cremate in Las Vegas?

The cost of cremation in Las Vegas varies based on the types of services and the funeral service provider you select. In general, you should expect prices to be in these ranges:

• Direct Cremation: The average price for a direct cremation is about $1,500, although you can often find options for around $800.
• Traditional Cremation: Costs between $2,000 and $4,000, including funeral home services and viewing.
• Cremation With a Funeral Ceremony: This can cost $4,000 or more, depending on the venue,  transportation, and other services.

All these options are less expensive than a traditional burial and full-service funeral. According to the National Funeral Director Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral is now $8,300.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Be Cremated?

The cheapest way to have a body cremated is direct cremation.

If you are looking for  affordable cremation services near you in Las Vegas or free cremation services in Clark County, there are three options available:

• Government services
• Charitable or faith-based organizations
• Whole body donation for medical science

How to Get Help with Cremation Costs in Las Vegas

Here is a list of the places you can go to get free cremation services or financial aid to help pay for cremation.

Government Services

For those needing help, government services provide some financial aid, starting with Clark County.

Clark County Social Services	Services Offered	Eligibility
Indigent Burial and Cremation	Free cremation or burial	Be a Clark County resident or die in Clark CountyDemonstrate severe financial need
Low-Income Assistance	Financial support for families with funeral expenses	Be a Clark County resident or die in Clark CountyDemonstrate financial need

For both programs, you have to provide proof of your financial situation, including filling out an application and providing:

• Picture identification for all adult household members and next of kin members
• Social security cards for each
• Bank statements from the past two months
• Verification of income for all household members

Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide information about any assets you own, such as homes or cars. These programs require a referral from a participating funeral home. Contracted mortuaries in the Las Vegas area include:

• Bunkers Funeral Homes (Jewish Faith Only)

(702) 385-1441

• Davis Funeral Home

(702) 736-6200

• Giddens Memorial Chapel

(702) 982-8670​​​​​​​

• Heritage Mortuary

(702) 852-1464

• King David Memorial Chapel (Jewish Faith Only)

(702) 464-8334

• La Paloma Funeral Services

(702) 732-7070

• McDermott’s Funeral & Cremation Services

​(702) 431-6161

This list can change, so you may want to check with Clark County Social Services first.

Federal Government Assistance

The federal government also provides some financial support through the Veterans Administration (VA), Social Security Administration (SSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of the Interior—Indian Affairs.

Federal Financial Support	Services Offered	Eligibility
Social Security Administration	One-time lump sum death benefit of $255	Have earned 40 credits— about 10 years of social security contributionsBe a surviving spouse living with the deceased at the time of death or already receiving spousal benefitsBe a child of the deceased in some casesMust apply within two years of the date of death
Veterans Administration	Reimbursement of certain expenses for eligible veteransReimbursement varies based on whether the death was service-connected or notMay include burial in national cemeteries for cremated remains	Be discharged under “conditions other than dishonorable”Meet minimum service criteriaProvide discharge papers, death certificate, and receipts for funeral expenses
Federal Emergency Management Agency	Assistance with funeral expenses	Be a victim of a natural disasterProvide death certificate and evidence of unmet funeral expensesNo eligibility for other assistance
Department of the Interior—Indian Affairs	Burial expenses	Be Native American IndianBe considered indigent without resources to pay for funeral expenses

Charitable and Faith-Based Organizations

The are a significant number of charitable organizations and religious organizations that may provide financial aid or support. Eligibility requirements will vary by organization and circumstances.

Charitable Organizations	Services For	Contact Information
American Red Cross of Southern Nevada	Military families	Call (877) 272-7337
HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust)	Blues musicians and families	Call (901) 527-2853 ext. 13
Kailee Mills Foundation	Fatal vehicle crashes	Apply on the website.
Pinetop Assistance League	Professional stage musicians	Apply on the website.
The Angel Fund	Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)	Call (855) 824-7941

If a child passes away, there are charitable organizations that provide financial support to families.

Charitable Organizations	Services For	Contact Information
American Children’s Cancer Benevolence Fund	Children with cancer	Call (813) 550-8999
Cael’s Angels Association	Stillbirths	Call 763-785-4173
Rhett Sullivan Foundation	Unexpected loss of a child aged 20 weeks to 2 years old	Apply on the website.
Skyler’s Gift Foundation	Newborns with complications from premature birth	Apply on the website.
The TEARS Foundation	Infant deaths	Call (253) 200-0944
The Luca John Foundation	Infants 12 months or younger or stillborn	Call (866) 613-2716
The Finley Project	Infant deaths	Call (407) 463-7576

What Are the Rules for Cremation in Nevada?

Cremation in Nevada is governed by state laws. Key provisions include:

Authorization

Cremation must be authorized by the deceased’s next of kin or a legally designated representative, and a death certificate must be completed before cremation can occur. The notice must be filed within 72 hours of death.

You must obtain a cremation permit or burial permit.

Transportation and Handling

Bodies must be refrigerated or embalmed to preserve them during transportation, which must be carried out by an authorized funeral home or funeral service provider. Often, a transit permit is required.

Embalming

There is no legal requirement for embalming except if the death was from a communicable disease. However, funeral homes will not likely permit a viewing ceremony without first embalming.

Handling of Remains

Once cremation has occurred, there is no health risk from the remains. So, remains can be kept in an urn or safely scattered or interred.

There are no laws governing where remains can be scattered in most cases, although you should check the requirements. For example, if you plan to scatter remains on private property, you will need the owner’s consent. At some state and federal parks, you may need a permit or be limited to certain areas.

There are requirements for scattering remains in ocean waters, but not for most lakes or rivers.

Free Cremation Services Through Whole Body Donation for Medical Science

Whole body donation provides free cremation services while enabling families to make an important contribution to the advancement of medical science. In Nevada, the United Tissue Network (UTN) handles the transportation, placement with reputable medical educational and research facilities, and cremation of the deceased after research has concluded. UTN pays 100% of the costs, including cremation and return of the remains to family members upon request.

Whole Body Donation	Provides No-Cost Services	Eligibility Process
United Tissue Network	TransportationPlacement with reputable medical research and educational facilitiesFree cremationReturn of remains to family members upon request	Be 18 years of age; no upper age limitLocated in Nevada at the time of passingNot carrying communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS or HepatitisUndergo a review of medical and social historyBe accepted into the program

United Tissue Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). AATB certifies that organizations uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. You can be confident that UTN’s staff and partners will handle your loved one with dignity and respect.

How Does Whole Body Donation for Medical Science Work?

You can get started with United Network quickly. The process begins when you pledge yourself or register a loved one to become a whole body donor. You can do this online by filling out information and providing a brief medical history.

Afterward, you will receive a call from an expert Donor Services Coordinator who can explain the process and gather the necessary details.  Once accepted into the program, you will receive a confirmation of your donor status. At the time of passing, you will contact UTN, and the compassionate team will handle all the logistics from there. After research concludes, UTN will ensure the body is cremated at a licensed facility.

Families can take comfort in knowing that the passing of a loved one is helping advance medical education and medical science.

Frequently Asked Questions—FAQs

What is the cheapest way to dispose of a dead body?

The most affordable option for handling final arrangements is usually direct cremation, which can cost between $800 and $1,000 for the least-expensive options.  If you are unable to cover the costs, there are government programs, charitable, and faith-based options along with whole body donations for low-cost or free cremation services.

Is it illegal to spread ashes in Nevada?

Scattering ashes in Nevada is generally allowed, but you may need permission on private property and may need permits or approval for certain state or federal parks.

What documents are required for a cremation permit in Nevada?

To obtain a cremation permit in Nevada, you need a signed death certificate, authorization from the next of kin, and a burial-transit permit from the county registrar.

What are the benefits of whole-body donation?
Whole body donation covers all cremation costs, supports medical education and research, and ensures the respectful handling of remains.

Learn more about United Tissue Network and whole body donation by calling (877) 738-6111 or registering online.