FAQ's

We have listed many commonly asked questions below and answers that will assist you in deciding what is best for you and your family. If you are still looking for more information please call us at 888-909-CSCT(2728) and one of our knowledgeable staff members will assist you.

What is cremation?
How long does the actual cremation take?
What happens after the cremation is complete?
What do the cremated remains look like?
In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?
Are all the cremated remains returned?
What can be done with the cremated remains?
Are there any laws governing cremation?
Can two cremations be performed at once?
Can the family witness the cremation?
How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
Do I need an urn?
Is a casket needed for cremation?
Is embalming required prior to cremation?
Can the body be viewed without embalming?
Does the State of Connecticut or Massachusetts provide benefits for families on Medicaid, Title 19, or Welfare?
How can the Cremation Society of Connecticut help veterans?
Don't most funeral homes have a crematory?
Can the urn be brought to my church?
How do I become a member of the Cremation Society of Connecticut?
Can I prepay for my services?

What is cremation?

To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not final disposition of the remains, nor is it some type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.

How long does the actual cremation take?

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.

What happens after the cremation is complete?

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items are "swept" into the front of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family

What do the cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains

In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?

The cremated remains are placed in the urn of your choice from our large selection of urns available for purchase. You may also use your own urn if you desire and we will place the cremated remains in the urn at no additional charge.

Are all the cremated remains returned?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from
the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property. Our staff will be happy to discuss these options with you and make any arrangements.

Are there any laws governing cremation?

Cremation regulations vary from state-to-state.
In the State of Connecticut an investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner must review the death certificate and sign an authorization allowing us to proceed with cremation. The fee for this service is $150 and is included in all of our cremation packages.
In the State of Massachusetts, state law currently prohibits funeral homes from owning crematories. This does not allow funeral homes in the State of Massachusetts the ability to ensure the integrity of the entire process since all deceased persons must leave their care and be transported to an off-site crematory.

Can two cremations be performed at once?

Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.

Can the family witness the cremation?

Yes, our state-of-the-art cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. In fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment. Our Ten Step Peace of Mind Guaranteed Process also ensures that you receive the correct cremated remains. The positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process using our identification medallion which bears the unique cremation number assigned to your loved one.

Do I need an urn?

An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the cremated remains are to be interred in a cemetery. We have a variety of urns to choose from on our website and at our facilities in Windsor and Rockville. Families may also provide their own urn if an urn is not selected.

Is a casket needed for cremation?

No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required by state law is a rigid container which is cremated with the body. This container is included in all of our cremation packages. Two upgraded containers are available as well and are required for family visitations and witnessed cremations.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?

Absolutely not and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Can the body be viewed without embalming?

Yes, immediate family members may briefly view the deceased prior to cremation in our private viewing room. The deceased is first washed, wrapped in clean linens, and prepared for viewing.

Does the State of Connecticut or Massachusetts provide benefits for families on Medicaid, Title 19, or Welfare?

Yes, the State of Connecticut and the State of Massachusetts both provide benefits to families who are on state assistance either through the Medicaid Title 19 program or through welfare programs. An application must be completed and submitted to the Department of Social Services before benefit amounts can be determined. Your family may have little or no financial obligation after benefits are received. Currently, the State of Connecticut provides up to $1800 and the State of Massachusetts provides up to $1100 for families who qualify.

How can the Cremation Society of Connecticut help veterans?

At the Cremation Society of Connecticut we have a long history of serving veterans and their families. From obtaining benefits to sharing service options with families, our funeral directors will guide you to make sure that you or your family receives everything that you are entitled to.

We also offer a specially discounted Veterans Tribute Package which includes a graveside service with military honors, an urn, a flag case, and a veterans stationary package.

To learn more about veterans benefits click VETERANS. Or click Veterans Tribute Package to learn more about how we honor veterans service to our country.

Don't most funeral homes have a crematory?

While most funeral homes offer cremation services, very few funeral homes own a crematory. The majority of funeral service providers cannot guarantee the entire integrity of the cremation process as they must entrust another company with cremation process.

At the Cremation Society of Connecticut, your loved one never leaves our care. We have operated our own crematory since 1988 and have rigorous standards that are followed throughout the entire cremation process. We can guarantee that you will receive your loved ones cremated remains and we offer families the opportunity to inspect our facilities or to even witness the cremation process.

To learn more about our crematory and Peace of Mind Guarantee to You, please click on ONSITE CREMATORY to learn more.

Can the urn be brought to my church?

There are very few religions that prohibit cremation under all circumstances.

At the present time, all of the Roman Catholic Archdioceses in Connecticut and Massachusetts allow urns to be brought to church for memorial masses. Most Protestant churches welcome memorial services as well and many Protestant churches are developing memorial gardens for interring the cremated remains of their members.

If you have questions about a particular church or place of worship please contact us at 888-909-CSCT and one of our staff members will happy to assist you.

How do I become a member of the Cremation Society of Connecticut?

Becoming a member of the Cremation Society of Connecticut is quick and easy. After we receive your one-time membership fee of $30 and your completed membership application, you will be a member for life and entitled to all member benefits and pricing. The membership application is brief and contains biographical information for our records and for completing a death certificate. Membership applications and fees can be sent through the mail or completed online.

Click BECOME A MEMBER to learn more or to become a member now.

Can I prepay for my services?

Yes, many families prepay for their services before the time of need. This spares your family from wondering what services you would have wanted and from a incurring a financial burden at the time of your death.

By prepaying for your services, you also lock in the prices for our services and we guarantee that your family will not have to add any funds at the time of your death.

To learn more about prearrangements and prepaying for services click PREPLANNED SERVICES or call us at 888-909-CSCT and one of our knowledgeable funeral directors will guide you through process and answer any questions you have.