How to Pay for a Funeral When You Can't Afford One

The short answer: You have more options than you might think. County burial programs can provide basic services for $500–$1,500. Medicaid may cover up to $1,500 in some states. Funeral home payment plans, assistance programs, and crowdfunding can help bridge the gap. You don't have to go into debt to honor your loved one.

Facing funeral costs during grief is overwhelming, especially when money is tight. But there are resources specifically designed to help families in this situation — many that funeral homes don't always mention upfront.

This guide walks you through every option available, from government assistance to community support.

Start with the Most Affordable Options

Before looking for financial help, understand your lowest-cost choices:

Direct cremation is usually cheapest. Many states require funeral homes to offer it, and some charge as little as $600. There's no viewing, no service at the funeral home — just cremation and return of remains to family.

You can always hold a memorial service later at a church, community center, or family home when you're more financially stable.

Government Assistance Programs

Medicaid Funeral Benefits

Many people don't know Medicaid can help with funeral costs:

To qualify: The deceased must have been receiving Medicaid at time of death, OR the family meets income guidelines for the burial benefit.

How to apply: Contact your local Medicaid office or Department of Social Services immediately. Some states have strict deadlines (as short as 10 days after death).

TANF Emergency Assistance

If you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you may qualify for emergency burial assistance:

• Amount: Usually $500–$1,500
• Timeline: Apply within days of death
• Contact: Your TANF caseworker or local social services

Social Security Death Benefit

Amount: $255 lump sum payment Who qualifies: Spouse or eligible child of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes How to apply: Contact Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213

Note: This $255 hasn't increased since 1954 — it won't cover much, but every bit helps.

County and Municipal Burial Programs

Most counties have programs for families who can't afford funeral costs:

What County Programs Typically Provide

• Basic funeral services
• Simple casket or cremation container
• Transportation of body
• Burial in county cemetery or cremation
• Basic death certificates

Typical County Burial Costs

How County Programs Work

Application: Usually through county social services or coroner's office Income requirements: Must demonstrate financial need Timeline: Apply immediately after death Waiting periods: Some counties require you to wait and see if family can raise funds

Important: County burial doesn't mean pauper's grave. Most county programs provide respectful, dignified services — just without extras like elaborate caskets or memorial services.

Finding Your County Program

Call: County social services, health department, or coroner's office Ask for: Indigent burial program, county burial assistance, or emergency burial funds Online: Search "[your county] indigent burial" or "[your county] emergency funeral assistance"

Assistance from Nonprofit Organizations

Many organizations exist specifically to help families with funeral costs:

National Organizations

Funeral Consumers Alliance

• Helps find affordable funeral options
• Provides guidance on funeral home negotiations
• Website: FuneralConsumers.org

National Funeral Directors Association Disaster Relief

• Assists families affected by disasters
• Covers natural deaths in extreme hardship cases
• Must apply through local funeral director

Salvation Army

• Some locations provide emergency burial assistance
• Usually $500–$2,000 when funds available
• Contact local chapter immediately

Religious Organizations

Even if you're not a member:

Catholic Charities: Often helps with funeral costs regardless of religion Jewish Family Services: May assist non-Jewish families in need Local churches: Many maintain emergency assistance funds Islamic Centers: Often have community assistance programs

How to approach: Call and explain your situation. Many religious organizations have emergency funds specifically for community members in crisis.

Local Community Organizations

Lions Club, Rotary, Kiwanis: Service organizations often have emergency assistance funds Community foundations: Many have hardship grants available United Way: Can connect you with local resources Labor unions: May provide death benefits for members' families

Crowdfunding for Funeral Costs

Online fundraising has become common and accepted for funeral expenses:

Major Platforms

How to Create an Effective Funeral Fundraiser

1. Be transparent about costs:

• Share the funeral home estimate
• Explain what you can pay vs. what you need
• Show you've explored other options first

2. Tell your loved one's story:

• Who they were as a person
• How they touched others' lives
• Why a dignified farewell matters

3. Share widely but thoughtfully:

• Post on all your social media
• Ask close friends and family to share
• Contact coworkers, former classmates, community groups
• Don't feel ashamed — people want to help during tragedy

4. Provide updates:

• Thank donors by name (with permission)
• Share how close you are to your goal
• Update on funeral arrangements

Average results: Most funeral fundraisers raise $1,000–$3,000. Some raise much more if the story resonates widely.

Funeral Home Payment Options

Many funeral homes offer more flexibility than they initially present:

Payment Plans

What's available:

• 6–12 month payment plans (most common)
• 24–36 month plans (for larger amounts)
• Interest rates vary: 0–18% depending on funeral home

How to negotiate:

• Ask directly: "What payment options do you have?"
• Explain your situation honestly
• Ask if they work with any financing companies
• See if they'll reduce the down payment

Reducing the Bill

Services you can decline:

• Embalming (not required by law in most cases)
• Expensive caskets (bring your own or choose cheapest)
• Elaborate viewing setups
• Luxury transportation

Ask about:

• Basic service packages
• Off-season discounts
• Veteran discounts
• Religious/community group discounts

Funeral Home Charity Programs

Some larger funeral home chains have assistance programs:

• Dignity Memorial: Some locations have hardship programs
• Service Corporation International (SCI): Limited assistance available
• Local family-owned homes: Often more flexible with payment

Life Insurance and Final Expense Policies

Even small policies can help:

Where to Look for Coverage

Check with the deceased's:

• Employer (group life insurance)
• Union
• Professional associations
• Credit cards (some have small death benefits)
• Bank accounts (some have small accidental death coverage)
• Mortgage company (some mortgages include life insurance)

Final Expense Insurance

If the deceased had final expense or burial insurance:

• Payout: Usually $5,000–$25,000
• Purpose: Specifically designed for funeral costs
• Processing: Often faster than regular life insurance
• Contact: Insurance company directly with death certificate

Even if policies lapsed: Some companies will pay if premiums were only recently missed. Always call and ask.

What to Do If You're Completely Out of Options

Immediate Steps

1. Call the funeral home billing department and explain your situation
2. Ask for the social worker if they have one on staff
3. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local assistance resources
4. Reach out to local media — sometimes news stories generate community support

Body Donation Programs

If burial/cremation is completely unaffordable:

• Medical schools often accept body donations
• Usually covers transportation and eventual cremation
• Family receives cremated remains after 1–3 years
• Contact: Local medical schools or anatomy programs

Last Resort: Abandoning the Body

Never do this. It's traumatic for family and may have legal consequences. Instead:

• Contact county coroner or medical examiner
• They're required to handle unclaimed bodies
• You may still be able to reclaim later if finances improve

Prevention: Planning for the Future

If you're reading this for future planning, not immediate need:

Final Expense Insurance

Cost: $20–$100 per month depending on age and coverage Coverage: $5,000–$25,000 Benefit: Easier to qualify than traditional life insurance Best for: People with health issues who can't get regular life insurance

Burial Societies

Some communities have burial societies where members pay small monthly amounts:

• Cost: Usually $10–$30 per month
• Benefit: Guaranteed burial/cremation services
• Availability: More common in certain religious/ethnic communities

Preneed Plans

Pros: Lock in current prices, reduce burden on family Cons: Money might not be portable if you move, funeral home might close Research carefully before buying

How to Get Help Right Now

If Death Just Occurred (First 24-48 Hours)

1. Call county social services emergency line
2. Contact the deceased's employer about any life insurance
3. Call 211 for immediate local resource referrals
4. Ask funeral home about their cheapest options and payment plans

This Week

5. Apply for Medicaid burial benefit (deadlines are strict)
6. Start crowdfunding campaign
7. Contact religious and community organizations
8. Look for any life insurance policies

This Month

9. Follow up on all assistance applications
10. Consider memorial service later when finances are more stable

What NOT to Do

Don't Go Into High-Interest Debt

Avoid: Payday loans, credit card advances, title loans Why: Interest rates of 200–400% will make your financial situation much worse Better: Ask for payment plans, seek assistance, choose cheaper options

Don't Get Pressured Into Expensive Choices

Funeral homes might say: "Don't you want the best for your loved one?" Reality: Love isn't measured by casket price. A simple, dignified service honors memory just as well.

Don't Assume You Have No Options

If a funeral director says: "These are your only choices" Ask to speak with: The manager or owner about payment plans and assistance

Don't Feel Ashamed to Ask for Help

Grief plus financial stress is overwhelming. Community support exists for exactly these situations. People understand and want to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I can't pay the funeral home bill?

Funeral homes can take you to court for unpaid bills, but they cannot repossess the body once buried or cremated. Many will work with you on payment plans rather than pursue legal action.

Can I be forced to pay for someone else's funeral?

Generally no. Next of kin has the right to make arrangements, but that doesn't automatically create financial obligation. Check your state laws, as they vary.

What if there's no money and no family?

The county is responsible for unclaimed bodies. They'll handle a basic burial or cremation. You can often reclaim personal effects later.

Can Social Security help with funeral costs?

Only the one-time $255 death benefit. Social Security doesn't provide funeral assistance beyond that.

Is it legal to bury someone on private property?

Laws vary by state and locality. Some rural areas allow family burial plots, but most municipalities prohibit it. Check with local authorities first.

What about veterans who can't afford funerals?

Veterans qualify for burial allowances ($893-$2,000+) and free burial in national cemeteries. See our Veterans Funeral Benefits guide for complete details.

Remember: You're not alone, and you have more options than you might think. Start with the resources most likely to help quickly — county programs, Medicaid, and funeral home payment plans — then expand from there.

Last updated: February 2026. Assistance programs and eligibility requirements vary by state and change frequently. Contact local agencies for current information.