How Can Someone With a Low Income Get Help With Funeral Expenses?

The financial burden of funeral expenses for low-income families can make the death of a loved one even more challenging — yet there are various funeral cost benefits by state, some federal assistance options, certain religious organizations, charities and crowdfunding platforms that can help. 

As far as government assistance, in most cases, the Social Security Administration offers a one-time death benefit of $255 to spouses or minor children of a deceased individual who was receiving Social Security benefits (though this amount has remained the same since 1954, despite the significant increase in funeral costs since then). If your loved one died in a disaster, FEMA may offer burial assistance.

To learn about what benefits may be available in your state, you can check with the state’s social services department either by looking online or calling a helpline, which is often available. Many states also have memorial organizations that can help — the Funeral Consumers Alliance is a helpful resource that can direct you to state chapters. 

To find a nonprofit organization or charity that may offer support for low-income families in need of funeral expense assistance, calling 211 can be a good first step to help you find local resources. Nonprofits or charities may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, but they can be valuable resources for those who qualify. The Jewish Free Loan Association provides interest-free loans for funeral expenses to those of the Jewish faith in certain areas.

And, often many family members and friends are willing to donate to help defray funeral expenses, and using an online crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe makes the process relatively easy. 

Finally, if your loved one was a veteran of the United States military, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits for deceased veterans, including burial allowance. This can include funds for burial and funeral costs, VA plot or interment allowance for the cost of the plot (gravesite) or interment, and VA transportation reimbursement for the cost of transporting the Veteran’s remains to the final resting place. If your loved one died during active duty or from a service-related injury, there are also funeral benefits available.

Sources

“Some states offer assistance to families unable to afford funeral costs”. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/19/some-states-offer-assistance-to-families-unable-to-afford-funeral-costs-.html 

“Find government benefits and financial help”. USAGov. https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder?utm_source=usa_benefits-gov&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=redirect_benefits-gov&modal=b-welcome-1899 

“Your Complete Guide to Getting Help With Funeral Costs”. Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage. https://www.lhlic.com/consumer-resources/need-help-with-funeral-costs-knowing-your-rights-can-save-you-money/ 

“Burial Funds & Programs That Help With Funeral Costs”. Debt. https://www.debt.org/family/help-with-funeral-costs/#Government_Burial_Assistance_Programs 

“Unexpected Life Events – Affording Funeral Costs”. Jewish Free Loan Association. https://www.jfla.org/blog/lifecycle-events-and-affording-them 

“Veterans burial allowance and transportation benefits”. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/ 

“Veterans’ Funeral and Burial Benefits”. Funeral Consumers Alliance. https://funerals.org/get-help/veterans-funeral-and-burial-benefits/