Quick answer
The main sources of funeral assistance for low-income families are: Social Security’s one-time $255 death payment to a surviving spouse or child; VA burial benefits for veterans, including free burial in a national cemetery, a headstone, and allowances (for non-service-connected deaths on or after October 1, 2026, about $1,032 for burial and $1,032 for a plot, and up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths); county or state burial assistance for people who die with little money; crime victim compensation when a death results from a crime; and charities and churches. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you an itemized price list, and direct cremation is usually the lowest-cost choice.
Key facts
- Social Security: $255 one-time payment, which must be requested within 2 years.
- VA: free burial in a VA national cemetery for eligible veterans, plus allowances.
- Counties and states: many pay for a basic burial or cremation when the family cannot.
- Crime victims: state compensation programs can pay funeral costs.
- FEMA COVID funeral help: has ended.
Table of contents
- Where does funeral assistance for low-income families come from?
- Social Security death payment as funeral assistance for low-income families
- Burial benefits for veterans
- County and state burial assistance
- Can crime victim compensation pay for a funeral?
- Your rights with a funeral home
- The lowest-cost options
- Finding money the person left behind
- Paperwork that follows a death
- Numbers to call
- Key terms explained
- What to do first, step by step
- Related guides
- Frequently asked questions
Where does funeral assistance for low-income families come from?
| Source | Who qualifies | What it pays |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | Surviving spouse or eligible child | $255 one time |
| VA | Eligible veterans and some family members | Burial and plot allowances, free national cemetery burial, headstone, flag |
| County or state burial assistance | People who die with few assets, often on Medicaid or SSI | Basic burial or cremation, up to a set amount |
| Crime victim compensation | Families of homicide and other crime victims | Funeral and burial costs up to a state limit |
| Employer, union, or life insurance | Policy holders and members | Death benefit |
| Charities and churches | Local rules | Partial costs, services, or donated plots |
Social Security death payment as funeral assistance for low-income families
Social Security pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to a surviving spouse who lived with the person, or to a spouse or child receiving benefits on the person’s record. You must apply within 2 years. Funeral homes often report the death to Social Security; call 1-800-772-1213 to apply and to ask about monthly survivor benefits, which can be worth far more.
Burial benefits for veterans
- Free burial in a VA national cemetery for eligible veterans, including the grave, opening and closing, a liner, and perpetual care. Spouses and some dependents may also be buried there.
- Headstone or marker, burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost.
- Burial allowance: up to $2,000 for a service-connected death. For non-service-connected deaths on or after October 1, 2026, about $1,032 for burial plus about $1,032 for a plot when not buried in a national cemetery.
Apply through VA burial benefits or call 800-827-1000. To schedule a national cemetery burial, call 800-535-1117. Funeral directors can help with the paperwork.
County and state burial assistance
Many counties and some states pay for a basic burial or cremation when a person dies without enough money and the family cannot pay. Rules vary: some require that the person was on Medicaid, SSI, or general assistance; others look at the family’s income. Payment is usually limited and goes directly to the funeral home, and you may need to apply before the services happen. Ask the county social services office, the coroner or medical examiner, or the funeral director. See our burial assistance program guide.
Can crime victim compensation pay for a funeral?
Yes. Every state has a crime victim compensation program that can pay funeral and burial costs, counseling, and lost support for families of people killed by crime, up to state limits. The crime usually must be reported to police, and there are deadlines. Victim advocates at the prosecutor’s office or police department can help you apply.
Your rights with a funeral home
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to give you an itemized general price list, let you buy only the goods and services you want, accept a casket or urn you buy elsewhere without a fee, and tell you that embalming is not required by law in most cases. You can compare prices by phone. Do not sign a contract until you have seen the itemized statement.
The lowest-cost options
- Direct cremation: usually the least expensive choice; a memorial can be held later.
- Immediate burial: burial without a viewing or embalming.
- Whole-body donation: some medical schools cover transport and cremation.
- VA national cemeteries: free burial for eligible veterans.
- Community help: churches, crowdfunding, and memorial funds through local groups.
Finding money the person left behind
Search for life insurance with the free NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, check your state’s unclaimed property site in the person’s name, and ask former employers and unions about death benefits or group life insurance.
Paperwork that follows a death
- Order several certified death certificates; banks, insurers, and agencies each need one.
- Notify Social Security, the VA, and any pension provider.
- Contact banks, landlords, and utilities; ask about closing or transferring accounts.
- Check whether the person had a will, and ask legal aid about small-estate procedures.
Numbers to call
| Who | How to reach them | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 1-800-772-1213 | $255 payment and survivor benefits |
| VA benefits | 800-827-1000 | Burial allowances |
| VA national cemeteries | 800-535-1117 | Scheduling a burial |
| County social services | Your county office | Burial assistance |
Key terms explained
- Direct cremation
- Cremation without a viewing or service, usually the lowest-cost option.
- General price list
- The itemized price list funeral homes must give you.
What to do first, step by step
- Do not sign a funeral contract until you know what help applies.
- Was the person a veteran? Call VA about burial benefits.
- Ask the county about burial assistance before services if money is short.
- Call Social Security about the $255 payment and survivor benefits.
- Get itemized prices from two or three funeral homes.
Watch out: scammers target grieving families with fake “funeral grant” offers and requests for payment. Real programs never charge to apply.
Help is free. Social Security, VA, county offices, victim advocates, and 211 never charge to apply.
For more specifics, see our guides on funeral grants for low-income families and finding unclaimed money.
Related guides
- Burial assistance programs
- Hardship grants for individuals
- Government assistance programs
- How to find unclaimed money from the government
Frequently asked questions
Is there funeral assistance for low-income families?
Yes. Funeral assistance for low-income families comes from Social Security’s $255 payment, VA burial benefits, county or state burial assistance, crime victim compensation, and charities.
Does Social Security pay for funerals?
Social Security pays a one-time $255 death payment to an eligible spouse or child. Monthly survivor benefits may also be available.
How much does the VA pay for a veteran’s funeral?
Up to $2,000 for a service-connected death. For non-service-connected deaths on or after October 1, 2026, about $1,032 for burial plus about $1,032 for a plot, plus free burial in a national cemetery.
What happens if a family cannot afford a funeral?
Many counties pay for a basic burial or cremation. Contact the county social services office or coroner before services.
Is FEMA still paying for COVID funerals?
No. FEMA’s COVID-19 funeral assistance program has ended.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 25, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
This guide is general information. Benefit amounts change each year; confirm with each agency. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency or funeral provider.
Before you apply: program rules, amounts, and deadlines change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program administrator. Applying for government benefits is free.
National Relief Program is an independent guide, not a government agency. Spotted an error? Email support@nationalreliefprogram.org.
