According to the FTC, which funeral home charge is considered nondeclinable?

The correct answer is that the Basic Arrangements charge is considered nondeclinable according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations governing funeral services. Nondeclinable charges are those fees that consumers are obligated to pay for essential services, regardless of the specific choices they make regarding other funeral options.

The Basic Arrangements typically include services that are necessary for the funeral home to provide its services, such as coordinating the funeral, filing necessary documents, and securing necessary permits. These are foundational services that all consumers must accept when utilizing the funeral home’s offerings, making the charge nondeclinable.

In contrast, other charges like the casket charge, embalming fee, and preparation of remains can often be declined or adjusted based on the preferences of the consumer. For example, families may choose a less expensive casket or may opt for direct burial without embalming, therefore making those charges flexible.