Funeral assistance finder: every program that helps pay for a funeral
Answer a few questions and see the money your family may be able to claim, with forms and deadlines.
Where did they live?
Step 1 of 8
State programs follow where the person lived. The date sets deadlines and which benefit rates apply.
How funeral assistance works
- Social Security lump sum for a surviving spouse or child
- $255
- VA burial allowance for a service-connected death
- Up to $2,000
- Crime victim compensation funeral limits, by state
- $4,500 to $14,000
Social Security lump sum for a surviving spouse or child
VA burial allowance for a service-connected death
Crime victim compensation funeral limits, by state
No single program pays for a funeral. Help comes in pieces: a benefit from Social Security or the VA, a state program when a crime or a work injury caused the death, money from an employer, a union or an insurance policy, and county help when there is nothing else. Most families qualify for something, and many never claim it because no one told them it existed.
The finder above checks 48 programs and searches against your answers, including the crime victim and burial programs in all 50 states and DC. Nothing you enter leaves your browser. Every program is also listed below, with who qualifies, how to claim and the deadline.
By the Lovekept editorial team, under our editorial standards. Figures last checked September 2026.
Every funeral assistance program
Grouped by where the money comes from. Open a program to see who qualifies, how to claim, and the deadline.
Government help with funeral costs
There is no single federal funeral fund. Social Security pays a small lump sum to some families, and FEMA helps only after a declared disaster.
Social Security lump-sum death payment
$255A one-time payment to a surviving spouse or child.A one-time $255, paid to the family, not to the funeral home.
- Who qualifies
- The person who died must have worked long enough to be insured under Social Security. It goes to a spouse who lived with them, or to a spouse or child who can receive benefits on their record.
- How to claim
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office. This payment cannot be claimed online. The funeral home usually reports the death, but you still need to apply.
- Deadline
- Within 2 years of the death. Social Security can extend this for good cause.
Social Security survivors benefits
Monthly paymentsMonthly payments to a widow or widower, young children and some parents.Paid monthly, based on their earnings. Not counted in the total above, but often worth far more over time.
- Who qualifies
- A widow or widower from age 60 (50 if disabled, or any age when caring for their child under 16), unmarried children under 18 (19 in high school) or disabled before 22, and parents who depended on them.
- How to claim
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or make an appointment. Ask about survivors benefits at the same time as the lump-sum payment.
FEMA funeral assistance for a disaster death
VariesHelp with funeral costs when a federally declared disaster caused the death.Pays funeral costs not covered by insurance or other help, up to the limit set for that disaster.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone who paid funeral costs for a death the medical examiner or coroner attributed, directly or indirectly, to a presidentially declared disaster. You do not need to live in the disaster area. COVID-19 funeral assistance closed on September 30, 2025.
- How to claim
- Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 and ask for funeral assistance. Keep every funeral receipt.
- Deadline
- Usually within 60 days of the disaster declaration. FEMA accepts late applications for 60 more days with a letter explaining the delay.
Veterans and military families
The largest help most families can claim: a free grave, headstone and honors for eligible veterans, and burial allowances for some.
VA burial allowance for a service-connected death
Up to $2,000Up to the full allowance toward burial when the death was service-connected.Up to $2,000 toward burial costs for a death on or after September 11, 2001.
- Who qualifies
- A veteran whose death was caused by a service-connected condition, and who was not dishonorably discharged. Whoever paid for the burial can claim it.
- How to claim
- File VA Form 21P-530EZ online, by mail, or with help from a veterans service officer. A surviving spouse on VA's records may be paid automatically.
- Deadline
- No time limit for a service-connected death.
VA burial allowance
Up to $1,032A set allowance toward burial for veterans receiving VA payments or in VA care.Up to $1,032 toward burial and funeral costs for a death on or after October 1, 2026. VA sets a new rate each October 1.
- Who qualifies
- Whoever paid for the funeral, when the veteran was not dishonorably discharged and, at death, was receiving or entitled to VA pension or compensation, had a claim pending that would have been granted, died in VA care or a VA-contracted facility, or died traveling to VA-authorized care. Veterans who died in VA-paid hospice at home between July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026 also count.
- How to claim
- File VA Form 21P-530EZ online, by mail, or with a veterans service officer. A surviving spouse on VA's records may be paid automatically.
- Deadline
- Within 2 years of the burial, or no time limit if they died in VA care. We count 2 years from the date of death to be safe.
VA plot or interment allowance
Up to $1,032An allowance toward a plot when the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery.Up to $1,032 toward a plot or interment for a death on or after October 1, 2026.
- Who qualifies
- The same veterans as the VA burial allowance, when they are buried in a cemetery that is not a VA national cemetery.
- How to claim
- Claim it on the same VA Form 21P-530EZ as the burial allowance.
Burial in a VA national cemetery
FreeThe grave, opening and closing, a liner and perpetual care at no cost.The grave, its opening and closing, a grave liner and perpetual care cost the family nothing. A spouse and dependent children can be buried there too.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans who were not dishonorably discharged, service members who died on active duty, and their spouses and dependent children.
- How to claim
- The funeral home calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 with the discharge papers. Burial in a state veterans cemetery is often free or low cost too.
Government headstone, marker or medallion
FreeA free headstone or marker in any cemetery, or a medallion for a private one.Free in any cemetery, even a grave that already has a private headstone. A private cemetery may charge to set it.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans who were not dishonorably discharged and service members who died on active duty, in any cemetery. Spouses and dependent children receive one only in a national, state, tribal or military cemetery.
- How to claim
- In a national or state veterans cemetery, the cemetery orders it. For a private cemetery, send VA Form 40-1330 (or 40-1330M for a medallion).
Burial flag, military funeral honors and a Presidential Memorial Certificate
FreeA flag for the casket or urn, an honor guard at the service, and a signed certificate.All three are free.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans who were not dishonorably discharged. Honors include at least two uniformed members folding and presenting the flag, and Taps.
- How to claim
- Ask the funeral home to request honors at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. A flag is also available at any post office or VA office with VA Form 27-2008. Request the certificate with VA Form 40-0247.
VA survivor payments: DIC and Survivors Pension
Monthly paymentsMonthly payments to a surviving spouse or children of some veterans.Paid monthly and tax-free. DIC for a surviving spouse starts at $1,699.36 a month (rates from December 1, 2025). Not counted in the total above.
- Who qualifies
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation goes to survivors when the death was service-connected, or the veteran was rated totally disabled for long enough. Survivors Pension is for surviving spouses and children with limited income of wartime veterans.
- How to claim
- File VA Form 21P-534EZ, which covers both, online or with a veterans service officer.
Military death gratuity
$100,000A tax-free payment to survivors of a service member who died on duty.A one-time, tax-free $100,000, usually paid within days.
- Who qualifies
- The survivors of a service member who died on active duty, or during certain reserve duty or training.
- How to claim
- The service branch's casualty assistance officer files it with the family on DD Form 397. It is usually paid within 72 hours of the claim.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Up to $500,000Life insurance most service members carry.Up to $500,000, depending on the coverage they chose. Not counted in the total above.
- Who qualifies
- The beneficiaries of a service member covered by SGLI.
- How to claim
- The casualty assistance officer helps file the claim with the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
Funeral paid by the military
FreeThe service branch pays for the funeral and burial of a member who died on duty.The branch pays for preparation, a casket or urn, transportation and burial, within its limits.
- Who qualifies
- Service members who died on active duty.
- How to claim
- The casualty assistance officer arranges it with the family and the funeral home before anything is signed.
Work-related death benefits
Employers, public retirement systems and several federal programs pay when someone was working, retired, or died because of their job.
Workers' compensation death benefits
VariesA funeral allowance and payments to dependents when work caused the death.Every state sets its own burial allowance, for example $7,500 in Florida, $10,000 in California and Texas, and $15,000 in Virginia, plus weekly payments to dependents.
- Who qualifies
- Families of workers who died from an injury or illness caused by their job. Most employees are covered; many self-employed people are not.
- How to claim
- Tell the employer in writing and ask for its workers' compensation insurer. Your state's workers' compensation board can help if the employer does not respond.
- Deadline
- Short in many states, sometimes one or two years. Report it as soon as you can.
Federal employees' compensation for a work death (FECA)
Up to $800Funeral costs and survivor payments for a federal employee who died from their work.Up to $800 toward funeral and burial, plus $200 for ending their federal status, and monthly payments to survivors.
- Who qualifies
- Survivors of a federal civilian employee whose death was caused by their job.
- How to claim
- File Form CA-5 with the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, through the agency they worked for.
- Deadline
- Within 3 years of the death.
Federal employee death benefits and life insurance
VariesA lump sum, a survivor annuity and FEGLI life insurance for federal employees and retirees.For an employee under FERS, the spouse receives half their final annual pay plus $43,800.53 (deaths from December 1, 2025; the fixed part rises each December). FEGLI pays the coverage they carried.
- Who qualifies
- The spouse of a FERS employee who died while employed with at least 18 months of service, and survivors of retirees who chose a survivor annuity or kept FEGLI.
- How to claim
- Call the agency's human resources office for an employee, or the Office of Personnel Management at 1-888-767-6738 for a retiree.
Railroad Retirement death benefits
VariesA lump sum or monthly survivor payments for railroad workers' families.Monthly survivor annuities, or a lump sum when no one qualifies for them right away: $255 for most workers, $180 to $1,400 for some with railroad service before 1975.
- Who qualifies
- Families of workers with enough railroad service. Railroad Retirement replaces Social Security for them.
- How to claim
- Call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
- Deadline
- Within 2 years of the death for the lump sum.
Public Safety Officers' Benefits
VariesA federal payment to survivors of police, firefighters and EMS who died in the line of duty.A one-time $461,656 for deaths from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026, updated each October 1, plus education help for children.
- Who qualifies
- Survivors of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or first responder killed in the line of duty, or who died from certain duty-related conditions.
- How to claim
- The agency usually starts the claim; families can also apply online with the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
- Deadline
- Within 3 years of the death.
Black lung survivor benefits
Monthly paymentsMonthly payments to survivors of coal miners whose death was caused by black lung.Paid monthly. Not counted in the total above.
- Who qualifies
- Surviving spouses, children and some dependents of coal miners who died from black lung disease.
- How to claim
- File with the Department of Labor's Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation, 1-800-347-2502.
Energy employees' illness compensation (EEOICPA)
VariesLump sums to survivors of nuclear weapons and uranium workers with a covered illness.$150,000 under Part B for covered illnesses, and $125,000 to $175,000 under Part E. A survivor can qualify under both.
- Who qualifies
- Survivors of Department of Energy workers, contractors and uranium workers whose covered illness, such as certain cancers or beryllium disease, contributed to the death.
- How to claim
- File Form EE-2 through a Department of Labor resource center, 1-866-888-3322.
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
VariesA one-time payment to survivors of uranium workers, nuclear test participants and downwinders.$100,000 per qualifying person, shared equally among eligible survivors.
- Who qualifies
- Survivors of uranium workers, onsite participants in nuclear tests, and downwinders who developed a covered illness after radiation exposure from the U.S. nuclear weapons program.
- How to claim
- File with the Department of Justice's RECA program.
- Deadline
- Every claim must be filed by December 31, 2027.
What their employer owes
VariesThe final paycheck, unused vacation, group life insurance and any company death benefit.Often the largest source families miss. Group life insurance through work is commonly one or two years' salary.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone who was working, and many retirees who kept group life insurance or a retiree death benefit.
- How to claim
- Call their employer's human resources office. Ask about final pay, vacation payout, group life and accidental death insurance, and retirement plan beneficiaries.
State and local retirement system death benefit
VariesMany teacher and public employee retirement systems pay a lump sum when a member dies.Often a few thousand dollars for a retiree, more for an active member, set by each system.
- Who qualifies
- Beneficiaries of teachers, state and local government workers and retirees in a public retirement system.
- How to claim
- Call their retirement system and report the death. Ask about the death benefit and any survivor annuity.
Pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs
VariesMoney in retirement accounts passes to the named beneficiaries, outside probate.Whatever is in the accounts, plus any survivor pension they chose.
- Who qualifies
- The beneficiaries named on each account, or the estate when none is named.
- How to claim
- Call each plan or account provider with the death certificate. Their tax papers (1099-R and 5498 forms) show which providers to call.
State and county burial assistance
Every state compensates funeral costs after a crime, and most states or counties help families who cannot pay at all.
Crime victim compensation
$4,500 to $14,000Every state pays funeral costs when a crime caused the death.Each state sets its own funeral limit, from about $4,500 to $14,000.
- Who qualifies
- Whoever paid, or owes, the funeral costs of a person killed by a crime, including homicide and drunk or hit-and-run driving. Most states require a police report.
- How to claim
- Apply to your state's crime victim compensation program. A victim advocate at the police department or prosecutor's office can help fill in the form.
- Deadline
- Set by each state, often one to three years. Report the crime to police promptly.
State or county burial assistance
VariesHelp from the state or county when the family cannot pay.Usually a modest amount paid to the funeral home, often toward a simple burial or cremation.
- Who qualifies
- Usually families who cannot pay, often when the person received SSI, Medicaid or other public aid and left little or nothing. Rules and amounts differ by state and county.
- How to claim
- Ask before signing a contract: many programs will not pay once a funeral is arranged privately. The funeral home often knows the local program.
Auto insurance death and funeral benefits
VariesSome policies pay funeral costs after a crash, whoever was at fault.No-fault (PIP) and medical payments coverage often include a funeral or death benefit, set by the policy and state law.
- Who qualifies
- People killed in a vehicle crash, through their own policy, a household member's, or the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
- How to claim
- Call every auto insurer involved and ask about personal injury protection, medical payments and death benefits. A lawyer can advise on a claim against the at-fault driver.
Crime victim compensation funeral limits in every state
| State | Funeral limit | Time to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 | Within one year of the crime, unless you give good cause in writing. |
| Alaska | $10,000 | Within two years of the death; if later, explain the reason for the delay. |
| Arizona | $10,000 | Within two years after the crime was discovered; the board can extend this for good cause. |
| Arkansas | $7,500 | Within one year of the crime, unless the board finds good cause for a later claim. |
| California | $12,818 | Within seven years of the crime, seven years after the victim turns 21, or seven years from when the crime could have been discovered, whichever is later. Later applications may be considered with a Late Consideration Form. |
| Colorado | No separate limit | State law sets no fixed deadline for injury or death claims (a six-month deadline applies only to home property damage); apply as soon as you can to the program in the judicial district where the crime happened. |
| Connecticut | $6,000 | Within three years of the death; a waiver can be requested in some circumstances. |
| Delaware | $7,500 | Within one year of the crime. |
| District of Columbia | $10,000 | Within one year after the crime, or within one year of learning about the program if the delay was reasonable. |
| Florida | $7,500 | For crimes on or after October 1, 2019, within 3 years of the crime, or up to 5 years with good cause. |
| Georgia | $6,000 | For crimes on or after July 1, 2014, within 3 years of the crime or the death of the victim; the board may extend this for good cause. |
| Hawaii | No separate limit | Within 18 months of the crime; late applications are accepted with good cause. |
| Idaho | $5,000 | Within one year of the crime; the commission can extend this for good cause. |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Within 5 years of the crime. |
| Indiana | $5,000 | The crime must have occurred within the past two years when you apply. |
| Iowa | $7,500 | Within two years of the crime, or show good cause for the delay. |
| Kansas | $7,500 | Within two years of the crime, with some exceptions set out in K.S.A. 74-7305. |
| Kentucky | $10,000 | The Board's current materials do not state a filing deadline. Contact the Board at 502-782-8255 to confirm timing. |
| Louisiana | $6,500 | Within one year of the death, unless the board finds a good reason for more time. In homicide cases, family members may file within five years after the conviction becomes final. |
| Maine | $4,500 | Within three years of the crime-related loss, unless the victim is a minor or there is good cause for filing late. |
| Maryland | $10,000 | Within 4 years after the crime was discovered or the victim died, whichever is later; the Board can accept a later claim for good cause. |
| Massachusetts | $13,000 | A claim must be filed within three years of the date of the crime. |
| Michigan | $8,000 | A claim must be filed within 5 years after the crime. The Commission may extend this for good cause. |
| Minnesota | $7,500 | The application must be submitted within 3 years of the crime (some exceptions apply). |
| Mississippi | $6,500 | The application must be received within 36 months after the date of the crime. |
| Missouri | $5,000 | The claim must be filed within two years of the crime, or within two years of when the crime was discovered. |
| Montana | $10,000 | The claim must be filed within 1 year after the crime. The office may extend this for good cause. |
| Nebraska | $10,000 | Within two years after the death for an adult victim; within three years after the death for a victim under 19. Late claims may be considered for good cause. |
| Nevada | $5,000 | The application must be submitted within two years of the crime. |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 | A claim may be filed within 2 years of the crime, unless good cause is shown. |
| New Jersey | $7,500 | The claim must be filed within five years from the date of the injury or death, or later if the VCCO finds good cause for the delay. |
| New Mexico | $6,000 | The application must be filed within two years of the date of the incident; some exceptions may be allowed for good cause. |
| New York | $12,000 | A claim must be filed within three years of the crime, its discovery, or the victim's death from the crime; OVS can extend this for good cause, such as not knowing compensation existed. |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | Apply within two years of the date of the crime. The time can be extended for an unreported sexual assault of a minor and for a missing person later found to have been a homicide victim. |
| North Dakota | $5,000 | File within one year of the date the crime was reported to law enforcement. The program may extend this time in the interests of justice. |
| Ohio | $7,500 | A claim must be filed within 3 years of the date of the crime, unless the claimant is a minor. |
| Oklahoma | $7,500 | File within 30 months of the injury or death, under the current law. Some older program pages still say one year. The deadline may be waived for good cause. |
| Oregon | $5,000 | Apply within one year of the date of the injury, or within a longer time the department allows for good cause. |
| Pennsylvania | $6,500 | For crimes on or after September 8, 2022, the claim must be filed within 5 years of the crime. For earlier crimes, contact the program about the filing rules. |
| Rhode Island | $10,000 | File a claim no later than 3 years after the crime. |
| South Carolina | $6,500 | The claim must be filed within 180 days (may be waived for good cause), and no later than 4 years after the incident. |
| South Dakota | $8,000 | An application must be filed within one year of the crime, except for good cause. |
| Tennessee | $6,000 | A claim must be filed within two years of the crime, unless good cause can be shown. |
| Texas | $6,500 | Apply within 3 years of the crime, unless good cause can be shown for the delay. |
| Utah | $14,000 | No fixed filing deadline is stated on the program's eligibility page or in the current statute; once filed, a claim generally closes three years after the application date. |
| Vermont | $7,000 | The program's pages and statute do not state a filing deadline. Contact the program to confirm. |
| Virginia | $10,000 | For crimes on or after July 1, 2025, within three years of the crime. For crimes from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2025, within one year, which can be extended for good cause. |
| Washington | $7,990 | The application must be received within 3 years of the date the crime was reported to police, or up to 5 years for good cause. |
| West Virginia | $10,000 | Within two years of the crime. |
| Wisconsin | $5,000 | Within one year of the date of the crime. The time limit may be waived in the interest of justice. |
| Wyoming | $7,000 | Within one year of the date of the crime, unless the division allows more time for good cause. |
From each state's program rules. Limits are for funeral and burial costs; most states pay other losses separately.
Insurance and memberships
Life insurance is how most funerals are paid for. Unions and fraternal groups add a little more.
Life insurance
VariesTheir own policy, or one through work, pays the named beneficiary.The policy's face amount. Many funeral homes accept an assignment so they are paid directly from it.
- Who qualifies
- The beneficiary named on the policy.
- How to claim
- Call the insurer, or the employer's benefits office for a group policy, with the policy number and death certificate. Claims are usually paid within weeks.
Accidental death coverage
VariesCredit cards, banks, auto clubs and unions often include it without the family knowing.Commonly a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, and only for accidental deaths.
- Who qualifies
- Deaths from an accident, including many crashes. Coverage through a card sometimes applies only to travel paid with it.
- How to claim
- Call each credit card issuer, bank, auto club and union they belonged to and ask whether an accidental death benefit applies.
Mortgage and credit life insurance
VariesPays off a mortgage, car loan or card balance, freeing money for the funeral.Pays the lender, not the family, but ends that bill.
- Who qualifies
- Loans where they bought credit life or mortgage life insurance.
- How to claim
- Call each lender and ask whether the loan was insured.
Prepaid funeral plan or burial fund
VariesMoney they set aside for the funeral, often with a funeral home or in a Medicaid burial trust.Whatever the plan or fund holds. Check what it covers before paying for anything twice.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone who bought a preneed contract, burial insurance or set up a burial fund.
- How to claim
- Find the contract and call the funeral home or insurer named on it. The plan can often be moved to another funeral home.
Union death benefit
VariesMany unions pay a death benefit or carry life insurance for members and retirees.Often a few thousand dollars.
- Who qualifies
- Members and many retired members, depending on the union and local.
- How to claim
- Call their union local and ask about a death benefit and any life insurance.
Fraternal and membership death benefits
VariesThe Elks, Masons, Moose, Knights of Columbus and others may help with funeral costs or rites.Some pay a benefit or carry insurance; many offer a memorial service.
- Who qualifies
- Members, depending on the group and lodge.
- How to claim
- Call their lodge or council.
Free searches for money you did not know about
Run these even if you think there is nothing to find. They are free, official, and turn up forgotten policies and accounts.
Life Insurance Policy Locator
Asks life insurers and annuity companies whether they hold a policy on the person who died.- Who qualifies
- Anyone searching for a policy on someone who has died. Free.
- How to claim
- Submit a request at the NAIC locator. Insurers that find a policy contact the beneficiary.
Unclaimed money search
Every state holds forgotten bank balances, refunds and insurance payouts.- Who qualifies
- Heirs and estates can claim a person's unclaimed property. Free.
- How to claim
- Search their name in every state they lived in, through each state's unclaimed property office. Unclaimed.org links to all of them.
Retirement plans with former employers
A 401(k) or pension from an old job is easy to miss.- Who qualifies
- Beneficiaries of any workplace plan they belonged to. The Department of Labor's Lost and Found database only searches a worker's own records, so families cannot use it for someone who has died.
- How to claim
- Call each former employer's plan administrator. The Department of Labor's benefits advisors, 1-866-444-3272, can help trace a plan.
Unclaimed pensions (PBGC)
Pensions from companies whose plans ended or were taken over.- Who qualifies
- Free. Survivors and beneficiaries can search.
- How to claim
- Search their name and former employers on the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's site.
Savings bonds
Paper savings bonds are often forgotten in a drawer or never found.- Who qualifies
- Surviving co-owners, named beneficiaries, or the estate.
- How to claim
- The Treasury Hunt search closed in 2025. To ask the Treasury to search its records for bonds you cannot find, send FS Form 1048.
VA life insurance search
Finds unclaimed VA life insurance policies, including old ones from past wars.- Who qualifies
- Free. Search by the veteran's name.
- How to claim
- Search VA's unclaimed insurance funds by name, or call 1-800-669-8477.
Getting money sooner
Benefits take weeks. These release money in days, or let the funeral home wait to be paid.
Accounts that pay on death
A bank account that names a beneficiary is paid out without probate.- Who qualifies
- The person named as payable-on-death or transfer-on-death beneficiary.
- How to claim
- Take the death certificate and your ID to the bank. The money is usually available within days.
Let the funeral home wait for the insurance
Most funeral homes accept an assignment of a life insurance policy instead of payment up front.- Who qualifies
- Any beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
- How to claim
- Ask the funeral home to take an assignment. They file the claim and are paid directly; anything left over goes to the beneficiary.
Small estate process
In most states, a short affidavit releases a modest estate's money without full probate.- Who qualifies
- Heirs of an estate under the state's limit, which varies widely.
- How to claim
- Ask the probate court in the county where they lived for its small estate affidavit.
Free or low-cost cremation and burial
When there is little money, these lower the cost itself.
Whole-body donation
FreeMedical schools accept donors and usually cremate them at no cost to the family.Cremation is usually free; the ashes are returned later, often within a year or two.
- Who qualifies
- Most adults. Programs can turn down a body for medical reasons, so have a second plan.
- How to claim
- Call the anatomical gift program at a medical school in your state.
Help for a child's funeral
VariesMany funeral homes waive their fees for a baby or child, and charities cover costs.Often the funeral home's own charges are waived; ask directly.
- Who qualifies
- Families who lost a baby or child.
- How to claim
- Ask the funeral home whether it waives fees for children. The hospital's social worker usually knows the local charities.
Faith communities and local charities
VariesChurches, synagogues, mosques and charities often help with a funeral or burial.Help ranges from a free service and burial plot to cash toward the bill.
- Who qualifies
- Members, and often anyone in need. Jewish free burial societies, Catholic cemeteries and St. Vincent de Paul are common sources.
- How to claim
- Ask their faith leader, and call 211 for local charities that help with funerals.
Your rights on funeral prices
The FTC Funeral Rule lets you buy only what you want and get prices before you commit.- Who qualifies
- Everyone arranging a funeral.
- How to claim
- Ask every funeral home for its General Price List, by phone or in person, and compare two or three.
Two cautions
Money that is not yours to spend, and bills that are not yours to pay.
Social Security for the month they died is returned
A benefit paid for the month of death must go back to Social Security.- Who qualifies
- Anyone receiving Social Security or SSI.
- How to claim
- Do not spend a payment that arrives in the month after the death. Social Security takes it back from the bank.
You do not owe their debts
Family members are not personally responsible for a relative's debts in most cases.- Who qualifies
- Debts are paid from the estate. You may be responsible if you co-signed, shared the account, or in some community property situations.
- How to claim
- Do not pay a debt collector from your own money before checking. The CFPB explains your rights.
Funeral assistance questions
Who qualifies for funeral assistance?
It depends on the program. Social Security's $255 goes to a surviving spouse or child. Veterans who were not dishonorably discharged can be buried free in a national cemetery. Crime victim compensation pays when a crime caused the death, workers' compensation when work did, and state or county burial assistance helps families who cannot pay, often when the person received SSI or Medicaid. The finder above checks all of them against your answers.
Does the government pay for funerals?
Not in general. There is no federal funeral fund. The federal government pays Social Security's $255 lump sum, VA burial benefits for eligible veterans, FEMA funeral assistance after a declared disaster, and benefits for some federal and public safety workers. States add crime victim compensation and, in most places, burial help for families with no money.
How do I get help paying for a funeral?
Start before you sign anything with the funeral home: some county programs will not pay once a funeral is arranged privately. Check life insurance and work benefits first, claim the government benefits that apply, run the free searches for forgotten policies and accounts, and ask the funeral home to wait for an insurance payout by taking an assignment of the policy. For what is left, a fundraiser lets friends and family help.
Does Medicaid pay for funeral costs?
Medicaid itself does not pay for a funeral after a death. Many states and counties run burial assistance that looks for people who received Medicaid or SSI, and Medicaid rules let a person set aside money in an irrevocable burial fund or prepaid funeral plan while still qualifying. If they had one, it pays first.
Does Social Security pay for a funeral?
Only a one-time $255, and only to a spouse who lived with them or a spouse or child who can receive benefits on their record. It is paid to the family, not the funeral home, and must be claimed within two years by phone or in person. Monthly survivors benefits for a widow, widower or young children are often worth much more.
How much does the VA pay toward a veteran's burial?
Up to $2,000 when the death was service-connected. For other deaths, VA pays $1,032 toward burial and $1,032 toward a plot when the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation or died in VA care. Every eligible veteran can be buried free in a national cemetery with a free headstone, flag and honors.
What happens if no one can pay for the funeral?
Most states or counties pay for a simple burial or cremation when neither the family nor the estate can. The amount is usually small and paid to the funeral home, and the family may have little say in the arrangements. Ask the county social services office, or the town in some New England states, before you sign a funeral contract.
Is there free cremation for low-income families?
Sometimes. County and state burial programs often pay for a basic cremation for families who cannot, and whole-body donation to a medical school usually includes cremation at no cost. Faith communities and local charities, which 211 can point you to, may cover what remains.
Does crime victim compensation pay for a funeral?
Yes, in every state and DC, when a crime caused the death, including homicide and drunk or hit-and-run driving. Funeral limits run from about $4,500 to $14,000 depending on the state, and most require a police report. Whoever paid or owes the funeral bill can apply.
How long do I have to apply for funeral benefits?
Social Security's lump sum must be claimed within two years of the death, and a VA burial allowance for a death that was not service-connected within two years of the burial. Crime victim compensation windows are usually one to three years, and FEMA registration usually closes 60 days after a disaster is declared. The finder lists your deadlines with dates.
Is the funeral assistance finder free and private?
Yes. It is free, it never asks for a Social Security number or names, and your answers stay in your own browser. Nothing is sent to Lovekept or anyone else.
Claim what is yours, then share the rest.
When the help you find does not cover the funeral, a fundraiser on their Lovekept memorial page gives everyone who wants to help one place to do it.