How to use the preneed funeral plan refund calculator
There is no national refund table for prepaid funeral plans in the United States. What comes back depends on the state where the contract was signed, how much of your money that state requires the seller to place in trust, and whether the contract is revocable. Enter those figures here to see a realistic range before you ask the provider for a payout.
Legal basis: the FTC Funeral Rule at 16 C.F.R. Part 453 governs itemized price disclosure and the general price list, but it does not set refunds on prepaid contracts. Those come from state preneed funeral statutes, which require a defined share of payments to be deposited in a trust or backed by an insurance policy and regulate what a seller may retain. Irrevocable contracts used for Medicaid eligibility are treated differently and usually cannot be converted back to cash. Figures current as of September 2026.
Ask the provider for a written statement showing payments received, the amount trusted, earnings credited and any retention, and compare it with the numbers here. The state funeral board or insurance department that licenses preneed sellers is the place to verify the trusting percentage.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney or an elder law advisor about your specific situation, particularly where Medicaid eligibility is involved.
Frequently asked questions
No. The Funeral Rule at 16 C.F.R. Part 453 governs price disclosure, itemized pricing and what a provider may require you to buy. Refunds on a prepaid contract come from state preneed statutes and the contract itself.
Irrevocable preneed contracts are often used so the money is not counted as an asset for Medicaid eligibility. That protection depends on the funds being locked in, so most states allow transfer to another provider instead of a cash refund.
It varies widely by state. Some require the full amount to be trusted, while others allow the seller to retain a share for commissions and administration. Your state funeral board or insurance department can confirm the current figure.