How to Get a Burial Assistance Program to Cover Funeral Costs

A burial assistance program can provide critical financial relief when you're facing the unexpected cost of a loved one's final arrangements. If you're concerned about paying for a funeral or cremation, numerous options exist, from federal government benefits like those from Social Security and Veterans Affairs to state and local indigent burial programs. This resource details the available financial aid, eligibility requirements, and application steps to help you secure the support you need during this difficult time.

Overview of Financial Aid for Final Expenses

When grieving a loss, the added stress of managing funeral costs can feel overwhelming. The process of finding financial help often seems complex because support comes from many different sources, each with its own set of rules and application procedures. The primary challenge is often not a complete lack of available funds, but the difficulty in navigating the fragmented system to find the right program.

Support for final expenses generally falls into four main categories: federal government programs, state and county-level assistance, grants from non-profit organizations, and alternative strategies for reducing costs. Understanding these categories is the first step toward identifying the most suitable options for your specific situation.

Federal Burial Assistance Programs

The United States federal government administers three primary programs that can provide financial assistance for funeral and burial expenses. These programs are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each program targets a different population and has unique eligibility criteria and benefit structures.

Social Security Lump-Sum Death Payment

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. It is important to recognize this benefit for what it is: a legacy entitlement, not a practical funeral funding program. The payment amount was capped at $255 in 1954 and has not been adjusted for inflation since, meaning its value has significantly diminished over time. While it can offer a small amount of relief, it is not a solution for covering the majority of modern funeral costs.

Strict Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for this payment is narrowly defined and is not available to all survivors.

• Deceased Worker's Status: The deceased individual must have worked long enough under Social Security to be considered "insured," meaning they have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits.
• Surviving Spouse: The payment is made first and foremost to a surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the deceased at the time of death. A spouse who was living apart may still be eligible if they were receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record.
• Eligible Children: If there is no qualifying spouse, the $255 payment can be made to a child (or divided equally among multiple children) who is eligible for benefits on the deceased's earnings record in the month of death. If no eligible spouse or child exists, the payment is not made.

Application Process

The process for applying for the lump-sum death benefit has specific requirements and a strict deadline.

• Deadline: Survivors must apply for the payment within two years of the worker's date of death.
• How to Apply: An application for this benefit cannot be submitted online. To apply, you must call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment.
• Required Information: When you apply, you will need to provide documents such as the deceased's Social Security number, a certified copy of the death certificate, your own Social Security number and birth certificate, and proof of marriage if you are the surviving spouse.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive and significant set of burial benefits to honor the nation's service members. These benefits can include monetary allowances, burial in a VA national cemetery, and memorial items provided at no cost to the family.

Eligibility

Eligibility for VA burial benefits extends to veterans, their spouses, and dependent children.

• Veteran: To be eligible, a veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. For most enlisted personnel whose service began after September 7, 1980, and officers whose service began after October 16, 1981, a minimum of 24 continuous months of active duty is required.
• Spouse and Dependents: The surviving spouse and dependent children of an eligible veteran are also entitled to burial in a VA national cemetery, even if they pass away before the veteran. This benefit also includes having their name, date of birth, and date of death inscribed on the veteran's headstone.

Monetary Burial Allowances

The VA provides monetary allowances to help defray funeral and burial costs. The amount varies based on whether the death was service-connected.

• For a Service-Connected Death: If the veteran's death was a result of a service-related injury or illness, the VA will pay a burial allowance of up to $2,000 for deaths occurring on or after September 11, 2001. For deaths prior to this date, the amount is up to $1,500. Additionally, the VA may reimburse some or all of the cost of transporting the veteran's remains to a VA national cemetery for burial.
• For a Non-Service-Connected Death: If the death was not related to military service, two different allowances may be available for deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2024.

Burial in a VA National Cemetery

Burial in one of the 155 VA national cemeteries is a high honor provided at no cost to the family of an eligible veteran. This benefit includes:

• Burial and Funeral Expense Allowance: The VA will pay up to $978 if the veteran was hospitalized by the VA at the time of death or was receiving a VA pension or compensation.
• Plot or Interment Allowance: The VA will pay up to $978 if the veteran is buried in a private cemetery instead of a VA national cemetery.

• A gravesite in any national cemetery with available space.
• The opening and closing of the grave.
• A government-provided grave liner for casketed remains.
• Perpetual care of the gravesite.  
• A government-furnished headstone, marker, or niche cover.

Memorial Items

To honor a veteran's service, the VA provides several memorial items at no cost, regardless of whether the burial is in a national or private cemetery.

• Headstone, Marker, or Medallion: A government headstone or marker is available for any eligible veteran's grave in any cemetery around the world. If the grave is already marked with a private headstone, the family can request a medallion to be affixed to it.
• Burial Flag: A U.S. flag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn, which is then presented to the next of kin.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC): This is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President of the United States, honoring the veteran's memory.

Application Process and Pre-Need Determination

At the time of a loved one's death, families are often under immense emotional strain, and locating military records like the DD Form 214 to prove eligibility can be a significant challenge. To alleviate this burden, the VA has established a pre-need eligibility determination program.

This allows a veteran and their family to apply in advance and receive a decision letter confirming their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This letter can be kept with other important end-of-life documents, simplifying the arrangements at the time of need. This proactive step is one of the most valuable actions a veteran can take to ease the process for their family.

• To Apply for Pre-Need Eligibility: Applications can be completed online, by mail, or by fax.
• To Apply for Monetary Allowances: At the time of need, the family or funeral director can apply for burial allowances using VA Form 21P-530EZ, Application for Burial Benefits. This form can be submitted online or mailed to the VA Pension Management Center. Required documents include a copy of the death certificate, the veteran's discharge papers (DD 214), and itemized receipts for funeral and transportation costs.

FEMA Funeral Assistance for Declared Disasters

Many people are unaware that funeral assistance is available beyond the widely publicized COVID-19 program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, can provide financial aid for funeral expenses if a death is directly caused by a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency, such as a hurricane, wildfire, or flood.

Eligibility

To qualify for FEMA's general disaster-related funeral assistance, several conditions must be met:

• The death must have occurred in an area that has received a major disaster declaration authorizing Individual Assistance.
• The death must be attributed to the disaster, either directly or indirectly.
• The applicant responsible for the funeral costs must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien. The deceased person does not have to meet this requirement.
• The applicant must have incurred funeral expenses that are not covered by other sources, such as burial insurance.

Covered Expenses and Application

FEMA assistance can help pay for a range of necessary funeral expenses, including the transfer of remains, a casket or urn, burial plot or cremation niche, marker or headstone, and the services of clergy and funeral home staff.

To apply for funeral assistance related to a non-COVID disaster:

1. Check for a Disaster Declaration: First, verify that your county has been declared for Individual Assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
2. Apply for Assistance: You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.  

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program

The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program serves as a large-scale example of FEMA's disaster-related aid. Under this program, FEMA provided reimbursement of up to $9,000 per funeral for deaths attributed to COVID-19 that occurred after January 20, 2020. While the incident period for the pandemic ended on May 11, 2023, FEMA will continue to accept applications for this specific program until September 30, 2025.

State and County Indigent Burial Assistance

For individuals who do not qualify for federal programs and lack the personal resources to cover final expenses, states and counties often serve as the payer of last resort. These programs, frequently referred to as "indigent burial assistance," are designed to ensure a dignified, basic disposition for all residents. They are typically managed by a county's Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, or the local coroner or public administrator's office.

Common Eligibility Requirements

While specific rules vary significantly by location, most state and local programs share a common set of eligibility criteria.

• Residency: The deceased must have been a legal resident of the state and county providing the assistance.
• Financial Need: These programs have strict limits on the deceased's assets at the time of death. This includes the value of bank accounts, life insurance policies, vehicles, and real estate. The assets of a surviving spouse or, in the case of a minor, the parents are often included in this calculation.
• Total Funeral Cost Cap: A critical and often overlooked rule is the cap on the total cost of the funeral. Many programs will deny any payment if the total bill for funeral services exceeds a predetermined limit.

For example, Denver's program will not provide its up to $1,500 benefit if the total funeral cost is over $2,500. Similarly, Massachusetts denies its $1,100 benefit if the total cost exceeds $3,500. This policy exists to ensure that public funds are used exclusively for basic, low-cost arrangements, not to subsidize more elaborate services. It is essential to inquire about this cap before signing a contract with a funeral home, as choosing services that exceed the limit will likely result in a denial of all assistance.

Application Process and Payment

The procedure for obtaining local aid is highly structured.

• Who Applies: In many jurisdictions, the funeral home is required to submit the application on behalf of the family. In others, the next of kin must apply directly to the county office.
• Payment Method: Assistance payments are almost universally made directly to the service providers, such as the funeral home and cemetery. These programs do not reimburse family members who have already paid for services in full.
• Required Documentation: Applicants typically need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of the deceased's residency, a signed funeral contract, and comprehensive verification of the deceased's (and potentially the spouse's) financial assets at the time of death.

How to Find Local Burial Assistance

To locate a program in your area, the most effective method is to contact local government agencies directly.

• Start with an online search for terms like " indigent burial assistance" or " Department of Human Services funeral assistance".
• Call your county's social services office or the local coroner's office. These officials are typically knowledgeable about the available programs and eligibility requirements.

Non-Profit Organizations and Charities Offering Funeral Aid

When government assistance is not available or is insufficient, non-profit organizations and charities can be a vital source of support. These groups often have specific missions, providing targeted aid to families in particular circumstances.

Assistance for the Loss of a Child

Several national organizations are dedicated to helping parents who are grieving the profound loss of a child.

The TEARS Foundation

The TEARS Foundation offers both financial assistance and emotional support to bereaved families. They operate several distinct programs based on the child's age and cause of death.

• Infant Funeral Assistance: This core program provides up to $500 for burial services or $250 for cremation for babies who passed away between 20 weeks gestation and one year of age.
• The Charlie & Braden Project: For children aged 1 to 12 who died unexpectedly from an accident, homicide, or suicide, this program offers up to $500 in assistance.
• Cali's Gift: This program supports families whose child (ages 13-22) died due to drug-related causes or suicide, helping with funeral or grief counseling costs.
• Jesse's Grant: For families who have lost an infant, this program may provide a flat granite grave marker.

To apply, families must complete an online application. The foundation responds within 48 hours and pays all funds directly to the funeral home; there must be an outstanding balance for aid to be granted. 

Final Farewell

Final Farewell is a non-profit that provides financial aid and guidance to families who have lost a child under the age of 18. The organization assesses each family's needs on a case-by-case basis. They often work directly with funeral homes to negotiate at-cost services and, in cases of extreme financial hardship, may be able to arrange for a full funeral and burial at no cost to the family. Applications are initiated through an online form on their website.

Faith-Based and Community Support

Local community and religious organizations can be a source of both financial and emotional support.

Catholic Charities

Many local dioceses of Catholic Charities operate burial assistance programs for those in need, regardless of their faith. For example, the program in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, partners with local funeral homes to provide reduced-cost services for eligible low-income residents.

Covered services typically include transportation of the deceased, a basic casket or cremation container, and a private viewing for immediate family. Services like embalming or a public wake are generally not included. To find help in your area, you can use the national Catholic Charities agency locator available at  www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

In addition to Catholic Charities, it is worthwhile to contact local churches, synagogues, mosques, and fraternal organizations (such as the Elks Lodge, Lions Club, or Knights of Columbus) to inquire if they maintain benevolent funds to assist community members with funeral expenses.

Consumer Advocacy and Education

Some organizations help families by empowering them with information to reduce costs, rather than by providing direct financial aid.

Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)

It is crucial to understand that the Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) does not provide direct financial assistance for funerals. Their mission is to protect a consumer's right to choose a meaningful, dignified, and affordable funeral by providing objective, third-party information.

They help families save money by:

• Providing Education: The FCA offers extensive resources on how to understand funeral pricing, compare costs, and avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Conducting Price Surveys: Many local FCA affiliates conduct and publish price surveys of funeral homes in their area, allowing consumers to easily compare costs for identical services.
• Negotiating Discounts: Some local affiliates may have arrangements with funeral homes to provide discounted services to FCA members.

To access these resources, you can visit the FCA website to find a local affiliate and review their educational materials.

Other Strategies if You Cannot Afford a Funeral

If you do not qualify for government or charitable assistance, or if the aid provided is not enough to cover all costs, several other strategies can help manage the financial burden of final arrangements.

Crowdfunding for Funeral Expenses

The rise of online crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe is a direct reflection of the gaps in formal assistance systems. For many families, these platforms have become a necessary tool for raising funds quickly from a network of friends, family, and community members. Memorials are one of the fastest-growing fundraising categories, demonstrating a significant societal need.

While effective, crowdfunding comes with considerations. If a campaign raises a significant amount of money (the IRS threshold is generally triggered by over $20,000 or 200 donations), the recipient may be required to report the funds as income and could owe taxes. Furthermore, because the funds are paid to an individual organizer, there is a risk of misuse if not managed transparently. Some platforms exist specifically for funerals and pay the funds raised directly to the funeral home, which can be a safer option.

Exploring Low-Cost Funeral Options

The single most effective way to manage funeral expenses is to choose lower-cost services from the outset.

• Direct Cremation or Direct Burial: These are the most affordable methods of disposition. A direct cremation involves the cremation of the deceased shortly after death without a viewing or ceremony. A direct burial is similar, involving interment without embalming or a funeral service. Families can then hold a separate memorial service at a later date at little to no cost.
• Compare Prices: The Federal Trade Commission's "Funeral Rule" requires all funeral homes to provide customers with a General Price List (GPL) itemizing the cost of all goods and services. It is essential to request the GPL from several funeral homes to compare prices, as costs for the exact same services can vary by thousands of dollars within the same city.

Whole-Body Donation

Donating a loved one's body to a medical school or a private research organization for the advancement of science is a noble choice that can also eliminate nearly all funeral-related costs. Reputable whole-body donation programs typically cover the costs of transporting the deceased, and after the scientific studies are complete, they will cremate the remains and return them to the family if requested.

County or State Burial

As a final safety net, if a family is truly unable to pay for any arrangements and no one claims the body, the county or state of residence will take responsibility for the final disposition. This typically involves a simple, direct cremation or burial in a common grave, sometimes referred to as a "pauper's grave." While this ensures a dignified disposition, the family has little to no control over the timing or method of the arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions