Help Paying for a Funeral: Assistance Options
Last reviewed 2026-11-01
Short answer: Options include life insurance, a one-time Social Security payment for eligible survivors, VA burial benefits, county or state assistance where available, payment plans, and crowdfunding. Choosing a lower-cost option such as direct cremation also reduces what you need to cover.
Sources to check
- Life insurance or final expense policies held by the person who has passed.
- Social Security: a one-time $255 payment may be available to a surviving spouse or child.
- VA burial benefits for eligible veterans.
- County or state programs for low-income families; rules and names differ by location.
- Employer or union death benefits, and payment plans offered by providers.
Be careful with
FEMA funeral assistance applies only to deaths connected to a declared disaster. Compare lender terms before borrowing for a funeral, and never sign away rights to price disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Does Social Security help pay for funerals?
A one-time $255 death payment may be available to an eligible surviving spouse or child. It does not cover the full cost.
What if the family cannot afford a funeral?
Ask your county social services office about indigent burial or cremation assistance, and ask providers for their lowest-cost option.