RX Patient Tools
Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.
A funeral or memorial service is a meaningful way to honor and say goodbye to a loved one. However, planning and managing finances can be overwhelming while grieving a loss.
During times of financial hardship or unexpected loss of a loved one, it’s crucial to know that resources are available to assist with funeral expenses. This guide provides information on government programs and nonprofit organizations that help with funeral expenses.
How much do funerals cost?
Most people don’t think about the cost of funeral services before they are in the unfortunate situation of having to say goodbye to a loved one.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial in 2021 was approximately $7,848. These figures don’t consider other items we have come to associate with funerals, such as hospital bills if they were in poor health, refreshments, obituary pamphlets, and flowers.
Funerals may be less expensive if you do not use a funeral home, but the downside to opting out of these services is having to navigate the process alone.
Charities that help with funeral costs
If funeral costs have become too large to manage, there are nonprofit organizations that help with funeral expenses. From churches to 501(c)(3) charities, these organizations can offer funeral assistance with discounts on the burial and even waive certain expenses altogether.
Final Farewell
When families can’t afford to hold funerals for their children, the organization Final Farewell steps in to help. The nonprofit provides emergency funeral funds and guidance to grieving families so they can properly say goodbye to their child.
Children’s Burial Assistance
A Georgia couple established this funeral fund nonprofit after they realized how difficult it was for families to find funeral financial assistance for burial expenses for a child. The organization helps families during challenging times by providing donated burial plots and vaults and covering cremation costs and grave fees.
Local churches and funeral homes
Across the country, funeral homes provide discounted services to community members. Depending on the situation, many funeral homes are willing to collaborate with families to create a flexible payment plan or may even provide certain services free of charge.
Local religious organizations are another forgotten source of funeral assistance and funding for those dealing with high funeral costs. If you’re an active member of your place of worship, their fundraising office may be able to offset some funeral payments or help plan the service.
State help with funeral costs
The government offers a few ways for families to find financial assistance after losing a loved one. We’ve outlined the most common programs and charities that help with funeral payments.
Monthly survivor benefits
Depending on your relationship with the person who passed away and your lifetime earnings, you may receive monthly payments from the Social Security Administration. Read the Social Security Administration’s information sheet on monthly survivor benefits to review eligibility requirements and what documents you’ll need to provide.
Burial allowances for veterans
The Veterans Administration (VA) helps with funeral payments for the family members of fallen service members and veterans. The VA can also provide funeral financial assistance to spouses or minor children of veterans. Surviving family members are eligible to receive a tax-free funeral grant between $300 and $2,000, and it may also be within their rights to bury their family members at a national or state military cemetery.
Social Security one-time payment
If the person who passed away has accrued Social Security benefits, direct family members may be eligible to receive a one-time payment. You can learn more about eligibility requirements on the Social Security Administration’s website and follow the application steps.
Benefits from FEMA
In the unfortunate event of losing a family member due to a disaster or an emergency, there is a possibility that FEMA can assist in covering funeral expenses. It can be a helpful resource for those struggling to pay for the costs of a funeral during such a difficult time. The organization may pay for urns or caskets, burial plots, mortuary services, transportation, and death certificate costs. To find out how to apply for their funeral grant, visit FEMA’s website.
GoFundMe
Crowdfunding for funeral payments and memorial costs allows you to focus on honoring your loved one’s memory instead of worrying about finances.
Thousands of people create fundraisers for emergency funeral funds on GoFundMe every day. When you’re ready to start a memorial fundraiser, it takes just a few minutes. In the US, there’s no fee to start or manage your fundraiser on GoFundMe. However, there is one small transaction fee per donation that covers all your fundraising needs. Everything else goes directly to your cause, because that’s what matters most.
How crowdfunding can help with funeral expenses
A fundraiser can do more than help offset funeral costs. It can serve as a central place for others to offer condolences and reflect on your loved one’s life through photos and written memories. Nonprofit organizations that help with funeral expenses often have long application processes and it takes time to receive the money.
A funeral fundraiser can guide friends and family members who may feel hesitant or uncertain about how to assist you during a difficult time. Creating a fundraiser can bridge the gap between you and your social circle, enabling them to provide seamless support as you cope with the loss of a parent or loved one. If you aren’t quite sure how to ask for donations for funeral expenses, you can list your needs in your fundraiser story and post the link on Instagram and other social media.
How to have a successful funeral fundraiser
If you’re pressed for time and need emergency funeral funds, we have some tips to keep in mind:
Desginate a fundraiser manager
Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to manage your fundraiser so that you can have some space to cope with your grief. They can reach out to contacts, express gratitude, and promote your fundraiser on TikTok, Instagram, and even Nextdoor in the community.
Celebrate your loved one’s life through the fundraiser
When writing your fundraiser story, include several photos of your loved one and share a few cherished memories. It will help connect others to your cause and encourage donations for funeral expenses.
Use your fundraiser as a communication hub
Keeping everyone updated on funeral or memorial service times and related events for your fundraiser is simple. Just post the updates and direct your network to your fundraiser for the latest information. They can also choose to contribute to your funeral fundraiser while there.
Look for fundraising tips
Get the most out of your funeral or memorial fundraiser with GoFundMe’s tips. Start by reading our funeral savings guide and explore other related topics on our blog.
Find assistance for funeral expenses
During difficult times, remember that your network of friends and family want to help—and GoFundMe makes it easy for them to lend a hand.
