When the Funeral Home Said, “No Payment, No Service”

Let me take you behind the scenes of a moment I’ll never forget.

A funeral home called me to confirm something pretty routine:

“Just checking that the funeral home assignment has been processed, and the check is on the way.”

That’s industry talk for:“We’re about to provide this service—has the insurance money been sent?”

But unfortunately, I had to deliver the last thing they wanted to hear:

“No, we’re still waiting on a few confirmations. The funds haven’t been released yet.”

What they said next?

“In that case, we’ll have to cancel the service until payment is received.”

Canceled.

A full funeral. Canceled.

I was stunned.

Not because I didn’t know how this worked—it’s business.

But because I imagined what that family was about to experience.

People had likely taken off work.

Made arrangements.

Paid for travel.

Some probably flew in from across the country to honor and celebrate their loved one.

And now?They were going to show up to a funeral that wasn’t happening.

All because the life insurance policy hadn’t paid out yet.

This Is Why I Say: Have a Back-Up Plan

I know most families assume the policy will take care of everything.And yes, life insurance is designed to cover final expenses—but not always on your timeline.

If your family is relying on life insurance to pay the funeral home directly through an assignment of benefits, please hear me when I say this:

➡️ There can still be delays.

➡️ The check might not be in the mail when you need it.

➡️ The funeral home is a business—and they have every right to wait for payment.

So ask yourself: If that happens… what’s your family’s backup?

The Real Cost of Not Having a Plan B

Funerals don’t just cost money.

They require coordination.

Timing.

Scheduling with pastors, venues, musicians, family members flying in, slideshows, eulogies, repasses—the works.

It’s not something you can “just reschedule.”And yet… that’s what this family was forced to do.

Not because there wasn’t a policy.But because there wasn’t a plan.

What Can You Do Right Now?

Here’s what I recommend to anyone relying on life insurance to cover funeral costs:

✅ 1. Talk to your family about your wishes

Make sure they know what type of service you want and whether a policy will be used to cover it.

✅ 2. Ask the funeral home about their policy on insurance payments

Do they accept assignments? What if the funds are delayed? What happens if they don’t arrive on time?

✅ 3. Set aside an emergency “bridge” fund

It doesn’t have to be much—but if your family can cover costs up front while waiting for the claim to process, they won’t be left scrambling or rescheduling a service.

✅ 4. Work with a life insurance strategist (👋🏽 hi, that’s me!)

Let’s review your policy together and talk through what needs to be in place to avoid this situation altogether.

Don’t Let a Business Decision Become Your Family’s Burden

That funeral home didn’t cancel the service out of spite—they canceled it because money hadn’t arrived.

And while that may feel harsh, it’s the reality.

Life insurance is an incredible tool when it works.But even the best tools need a backup system.

So before you assume “I have a policy, I’m good”—ask yourself:

Does my family have a plan if that policy is delayed?

Because I’ve seen it happen.

And trust me, your family shouldn’t have to navigate grief and logistics at the same time.