Charities that help with funeral costs and financial aid

Most people aren’t ready for it, and that’s okay. You’re not alone, and there is help out there.

This guide is here to walk you through the different ways you can get support when you’re dealing with funeral costs. From charities to government programs, and even creative options like crowdfunding, you’ll find clear, simple information to help you take the next step.

Let’s take this one step at a time.

Funeral expenses and what they cover

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you start to see how the costs add up. Most people don’t realize how many little things go into a service until they’re in the middle of it. Let’s break it down together so you know what to expect.

Average cost of a funeral and burial services

A traditional funeral and burial can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on where you live and what services you choose. That usually includes the basics: the funeral service itself, a casket, embalming, transportation, and use of a funeral home. Some families choose to hold viewings or wakes, which can add more to the final bill.

Cremation services vs traditional burial

Cremation is often more affordable. On average, direct cremation (without a formal service) can cost as little as $1,000–$2,500. If you choose to add a service, the cost goes up, but it’s still usually less than a full burial. Some people find cremation to be a simpler, more flexible option, especially if you're planning a memorial at a later time.

Additional costs to prepare for

Even if you go with a more affordable service, there are other things that come up. You may need to pay for a death certificate, copies for paperwork, flowers, a headstone, or cemetery fees. If you're working with a funeral director, their services are usually part of the overall package, but it’s okay to ask for a clear breakdown.

Knowing what’s included, and what’s not, can help you plan better, avoid surprise costs, and feel more in control.

Top national charities that help with funeral costs

When money is tight, and you’re facing funeral bills you didn’t expect, it can feel hopeless. But there are organizations, real ones, with names and people, who exist just to help in these moments. These charities have supported thousands of families, and they might be able to support yours, too.

Here are some of the best-known nonprofits offering funeral assistance across the U.S.:

The TEARS Foundation – Infant and child funeral assistance

If you’ve lost a baby or young child, The TEARS Foundation is here to help cover funeral and burial expenses. They’re available in many states and offer both emotional support and financial aid to grieving parents. It’s one of the few organizations focused solely on this kind of heartbreaking loss.

Final Farewell – Support for child burial in Pennsylvania

Final Farewell offers help to families in Pennsylvania who are struggling to pay for their child’s funeral. Their team works fast and quietly, because they know how little time there is when you're planning a service. They've helped thousands of families give their child a respectful, loving goodbye.

Catholic Charities – Faith-based burial support

Catholic Charities provides help with burial and cremation costs, especially for low-income families. Support varies depending on your local Catholic Charities branch, but many offer direct assistance or can connect you to trusted service providers in your area.

Funeral Consumers Alliance – Advocacy and cost transparency

This group doesn’t give out money, but they might help you save money. The Funeral Consumers Alliance educates families about their rights, what services actually cost, and how to avoid being pressured into overspending. They’re a great place to start if you’re unsure what a “fair price” even looks like.

The Hebrew Free Burial Association – Jewish burial services

Serving the New York City area, this nonprofit helps provide traditional Jewish burials for people who can’t afford them. The Hebrew Free Burial Association has been around for over 100 years, helping thousands of families carry out sacred customs with dignity.

Family of God Ministry – Community support for grieving families

This faith-based organization helps families with small grants for funeral costs and often provides other support like food, prayer services, or help organizing a memorial. Each case is handled personally and with care.

Funeral Service Foundation – Grants and scholarships

While they mostly work behind the scenes with professionals, the Funeral Service Foundation does offer special funds in times of national disaster or crisis. It's worth checking their website or contacting them directly to ask about active relief programs.

Government and nonprofit funeral assistance programs

Alongside charities, there are government and nonprofit programs that can help cover funeral costs. These options aren’t always widely known, and they can be a little tricky to navigate, but they’re real, and they’ve helped many families get through tough times. Some offer direct payment, while others reimburse you after the service.

Here are some of the main ones to know about:

FEMA funeral assistance for disaster-related deaths

If your loved one died during a declared disaster, like a hurricane, wildfire, or pandemic, you may qualify for FEMA’s funeral assistance. For example, many families received help through this program during COVID-19. FEMA can cover costs like the burial, cremation, and even transportation of remains. The key is that the death must be linked to a disaster and documented properly.

Burial assistance through Medicaid and social services

Some states offer burial assistance through their human services departments or Medicaid offices, especially for families with limited income. Each state sets its own rules, but help may include a small grant or discounted burial through a partner funeral home. It's usually not a full coverage, but it can still make a big difference.

Veteran and military burial benefits

If your loved one served in the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs may help with funeral costs. Benefits could include a free burial plot in a national cemetery, a headstone, and a partial reimbursement for funeral services. You’ll need discharge papers (Form DD214) to apply.

Social Security and survivor death benefits

If the person who passed away worked long enough, their family might be eligible for a lump-sum death benefit from Social Security, usually $255. It’s not much, but it’s something. Surviving spouses and children may also qualify for ongoing monthly survivor benefits.

State and county burial assistance programs

Some counties and local governments have emergency funds or basic funeral services for people who pass away without any financial resources. These services are usually very simple (no frills), but they ensure that everyone is laid to rest with respect. Contact your local human services office to ask what’s available in your area.

Financial assistance options beyond charities

Not every family qualifies for help from charities or government programs, and sometimes the support they offer just isn’t enough. If that’s your situation, don’t lose hope. There are other ways to get help with funeral costs, especially when you get creative or lean on your community.

Here are a few paths worth exploring:

Crowdfunding through platforms

Crowdfunding has become one of the most common ways families raise money quickly for funeral expenses. GoFundMe, in particular, has a special category for memorial and funeral costs. Friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers can donate to help cover everything from cremation services to travel costs.

When you create a campaign, it helps to share your loved one’s story, include a clear photo, and be specific about what you need. People want to help, but they often need to know exactly how.

Religious and community-based funeral support

Sometimes the best support comes from close to home. Local churches, mosques, temples, or community centers often have benevolence funds set aside for emergency needs like funerals. They may not advertise it publicly, but if you ask, many are ready to step in and help grieving families with small grants, volunteers, or even space for services.

Payment plans or discounts from funeral homes

It’s okay to ask funeral homes if they offer payment plans, sliding scale pricing, or discounts for low-income families. Many do. Funeral directors understand that not everyone can pay up front, and they may be more flexible than you think, especially if you’re open and honest about your budget from the beginning.

Direct cremation or body donation as cost-saving options

If you’re looking for the most affordable option, direct cremation is usually it. There’s no viewing, no service, just the essentials. It’s simple, respectful, and a fraction of the cost of a full-service funeral.

Another option is body donation to medical schools or research institutions. Some programs cover all or most final expenses, including cremation, in exchange for the donation. If your loved one wanted to help others, this could be a meaningful and generous final gift.

What to do if you still can’t cover funeral costs

Even after exploring every option, charities, government help, crowdfunding, you might still find yourself short. It’s a painful position to be in, especially when you just want to honor someone’s life. But you still have options, and there’s no shame in taking a simpler path if that’s what your situation calls for.

Here are a few things you can do:

Prioritize what matters most

You don’t need to pay for everything at once. Decide what’s most important to your family, maybe it’s a small memorial, a cremation, or simply making sure your loved one is remembered in a meaningful way. You can hold off on a headstone or a formal service until later, when you're in a better financial place.

Ask about minimal or no-cost services

Some counties offer what’s called an "indigent burial" or “public health burial” for people who pass away without funds or family support. It’s basic, but respectful, and it ensures that your loved one receives proper care. Contact your local coroner’s office or human services department to ask what’s available.

Talk directly to funeral directors

This can be uncomfortable, but funeral homes often have more flexibility than you’d expect. Let them know what you can afford and ask about simpler service options or low-cost packages. Some may even be willing to waive certain fees if they understand your situation.

Delay the memorial

A service doesn’t have to happen right away. If you choose cremation, for example, you can wait weeks or months to hold a memorial. This gives you time to save money, plan something more personal, and invite people who may need time to travel.

This isn’t easy, but doing what you can with what you have is still a powerful act of love. You’re honoring someone the best way you know how.

Step-by-step guide to applying for funeral financial assistance

Asking for help, especially when you're grieving, is hard. But applying for funeral assistance doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make things feel a little less overwhelming.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Gather the right documents

Most programs, whether it’s a charity or a government office, will ask for some basic paperwork. Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• Death certificate (official copy)
• Proof of identity (yours and the deceased’s)
• Proof of income or financial hardship
• Funeral home estimates or invoices
• Any benefits info (like Social Security or veteran status)

Try to keep everything in one folder or envelope. If you’re applying to more than one place, you might be able to reuse the same documents.

Step 2: Reach out early

Some programs only help if you apply before the funeral takes place. Others will reimburse you, but they often take time to process. Either way, the sooner you ask, the more options you’ll have. If you're not sure where to begin, start by calling your local human services department or asking the funeral home staff, they’ve often helped families through this before.

Step 3: Be honest about what you need

You don’t have to exaggerate or downplay anything. Just explain your situation plainly. Most support teams want to help, they just need to understand your need clearly. If you're applying online, take your time answering each question. If you're applying by phone or in person, write down your questions in advance.

Step 4: Ask questions before you commit

Before signing any agreements with a funeral home or service provider, ask these questions:

• What are the total costs, all-in?
• Can I remove services I don’t need?
• Do you offer payment plans?
• Will you work with outside assistance (like FEMA or a nonprofit)?

You have every right to understand what you’re agreeing to, and to ask for a better fit if something doesn’t work for your budget.

Step 5: Follow up, and keep notes

After you apply, keep a record of who you spoke with, when, and what they said. It can help a lot if you need to check in later or explain your case again. Don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t hear back within a few days, sometimes things get missed, especially when teams are small.

Ways forward

Grief is heavy enough without the stress of funeral costs on top of it. But as you’ve seen, there are ways forward, and people and programs who want to help. Whether it’s a national charity, a local faith group, or a stranger who donates through a fundraiser, support comes in many forms.

The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. There are options. You can take things one step at a time. You can ask for help without shame. And if you’re someone looking to offer help, whether through your nonprofit, community group, or congregation, you can build something that makes a real, lasting impact.