Losing a loved one is never easy — and the financial burden that often follows can make an already heartbreaking time feel overwhelming. Many families find themselves asking, “How are we going to afford this?”

The good news is, you don’t have to face it alone. Across the country, there are nonprofit organizations, government programs, and local services designed to help cover funeral and burial expenses — especially for families with limited resources. Whether you’re navigating the sudden loss of a child, planning services for a veteran, or simply unsure where to turn, this guide outlines grants, funds, and support options that may be available to you.

1. Final Farewell

• Focus: Assists families with funeral costs for children under 18 in Philadelphia Metro Area.
• Services: Provides financial aid and guidance.
• Application: Submit an online form detailing your circumstances.
• Website: Final Farewell

2. The TEARS Foundation

• Focus: Supports families grieving the loss of a child, from pregnancy through young adulthood.
• Services: Offers financial assistance for funeral expenses and emotional support programs.
• Application: Complete an online application; response within 48 hours.
• Website: The TEARS Foundationthetearsfoundation.orgcharitycharge.com
  

3. Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA)

• Focus: Helps families afford burial services for children aged 1–17.
• Services: Donates burial vaults, caskets, urns, and provides financial support.
  Application: Fill out the online application form.
• Website: Children’s Burial
  

4. Hebrew Free Burial Association

• Focus: Provides traditional Jewish burials for indigent individuals.
• Services: Covers full burial costs, including funeral service and transportation.
• Eligibility: Applicants must meet Medicaid income guidelines.
  Website: Hebrew Free Burial
  

5. Misaskim

• Focus: Assists Orthodox Jewish families with bereavement needs.
• Services: Provides shiva-related items and coordinates funeral arrangements.
• Website: Misaskimen.wikipedia.org
  

6. Harvest of Hope Foundation

• Focus: Supports migrant farmworkers and their families.
  Services: Offers emergency financial assistance, including for funeral expenses.
• Website: Harvest of Hope
  

7. Catholic Charities

• Focus: Provides aid to individuals and families in need.
• Services: Offers up to $5,000 in funeral and burial assistance.
• Website: Catholic Charities

Government Programs

1. Social Security Administration

• Benefit: Offers a one-time death benefit of $255 to eligible surviving spouses or children.
• Website: https://www.ssa.gov/survivor
  

2. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Benefit: Provides burial allowances and services for eligible veterans.
• Website: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ 

State and Local Programs

3. New Jersey Department of Human Services

• Benefit: Provides public assistance funds for funeral expenses based on eligibility.
• Application: Contact your county’s Board of Social Services.
• Website: https://web.njsfda.org/public/consumer/funeral-costs/financial-assistance 

Connecticut: Offers up to $1,000 for funeral expenses for individuals covered under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD). Applications are processed through the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Yes, many U.S. states and local governments offer funeral and burial assistance programs, especially for low-income individuals and families. These programs vary widely in terms of eligibility, benefit amounts, and application procedures. Here’s an overview of how different states and localities provide such assistance:

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State and Local Funeral Assistance Programs

🔹 States with Statewide Funeral Assistance

• Connecticut: Offers up to $1,000 for funeral expenses for individuals covered under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD). Applications are processed through the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
  
• Maine: Provides assistance through the General Assistance Program, offering up to $785 for cremation and $1,125 for burial. The program is administered by local municipalities, and applications are typically submitted by funeral directors on behalf of the deceased.
  
• Maryland: Eligible individuals may receive up to $650 in burial assistance, provided that the total funeral cost does not exceed $2,500. Applications are handled by the Maryland Department of Human Services.
  
• Massachusetts: Offers up to $1,100 for funeral expenses, with the total cost not exceeding $3,500. Applications are made through the Department of Transitional Assistance.
  
• Michigan: Provides up to $600 in burial assistance through the Home and Burial Services program. Applications must be submitted within ten business days of death to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
  
• Vermont: Offers up to $1,100 to a funeral provider through its General Assistance Program. Applications are processed by the Vermont Department of Children and Families.
  

🔹 States with County-Level or Limited Assistance

• Alabama: Does not provide statewide funeral assistance; however, individual counties are responsible for necessary burial or cremation expenses if the deceased’s immediate family cannot afford the costs.
  
• Arizona: The state does not offer funeral assistance, but counties may provide up to $500 based on need. Applications are made through local county governments.
  
• California: State assistance is limited to victims of crime or natural disasters. Counties may offer modest assistance for basic funeral or cremation services. Applications are processed through county health offices.
  
• Florida: The Department of Health and Human Services provides burial assistance for poverty-stricken individuals. Applications are made at the county health department where the deceased resided.
  
• Georgia: No statewide program exists, but county Departments of Human Services may offer assistance ranging from $350 to $1,200.
  
• Minnesota: Counties provide between $1,500 and $3,500 for cremation services based on financial need. Applications should be submitted within 14 days of death to the county of residence.
  
• Missouri: County or city governments may reimburse up to $400 for indigent burials through the Indigent Burial and Funeral Fund.
  
• Ohio: Counties and townships offer assistance for residents with incomes less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Applications are made through local government offices.
  
• Pennsylvania: Provides up to $750 in benefits for individuals already receiving Social Security or cash benefits, and nursing home residents who have received assistance since 1973. Applications are processed through local Department of Human Services offices. 

🔹 Local Programs

• New York City: The Human Resources Administration’s Office of Burial Services offers up to $1,700 toward funeral expenses for low-income residents. This can apply to both pre-approved and reimbursed expenses. (nyc.gov)
  
• Illinois: While the state does not have a formal program, some counties may offer limited assistance. For example, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs assists veterans and their families in navigating available resources.
  

How to Apply for Assistance

1. Determine Eligibility: Check if the deceased or their family members were recipients of government assistance programs like Medicaid, SSI, or TANF.
   
2. Contact Local Authorities: Reach out to your local Department of Human Services, Social Services, or equivalent agency to inquire about available funeral assistance programs.
   
3. Gather Necessary Documentation: Prepare documents such as the death certificate, proof of income, and any relevant benefit statements.
   
4. Work with Funeral Directors: Some programs require funeral homes to submit applications on behalf of the family. Coordinate with your chosen funeral director to ensure proper procedures are followed.

Everyone deserves a dignified farewell — and no one should have to carry the weight of funeral costs without support. If you’re in a position where help is needed, we hope this list provides a meaningful starting point. From national nonprofits to local programs, there are real resources out there, and many respond quickly to those in need.

Take things one step at a time. Reach out, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to lean on the organizations and programs built to help during life’s hardest moments.

Need help navigating any of these options? The team at GiveWillow is always here to walk with you.