The average funeral costs between $7,000 and $12,000. However, below are options to help you and your family with these expenses:
- Check Estate Funding: Determine if your loved one left any provisions for their funeral expenses in their final wishes. This may provide initial funding.
- Explore Death Benefits: Investigate potential death benefits available through your loved one's employer, Veteran Affairs, or union. These benefits may cover funeral costs or other burial-related expenses. Here is the VA burial benefits outline for veterans.
- Review Insurance Policies: If your loved one had life insurance, look into whether there is a payout option that can help cover funeral expenses. Additionally, check other insurance policies that might apply.
- Social Security Assistance: Survivors can apply for a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 through Social Security, which can be used to offset funeral costs. Learn more at Social Security Survivor Policy. Note that you must call 800-772-1213 to report the death.
- Crowdfunding: Consider using online platforms like SupportNow to raise funds for funeral-related expenses. Friends and family are often willing to provide financial support or contribute flowers and food to the funeral service. Create a free account on Support Now here.
- Local Assistance: Contact local government departments such as Human Services, Social Services, or the Human Resource Administration to inquire about potential financial assistance options in your state or county. Here is a guide to check state funding options based on your state.
- FEMA / Covid-19 Benefits: If the death was related to Covid-19, you may qualify for funeral benefits through September 30, 2025. Review Fema’s website to understand eligibility.
By taking these actionable steps, you can find the necessary funding to ensure a respectful farewell for your loved one without unnecessary financial stress.
A more in depth blog on these topics can be found here - Finding Financial Support for Funerals: A comprehensive Guide to Help You
The average funeral costs between $7,000 and $12,000. However, below are options to help you and your family with these expenses:
- Check Estate Funding: Determine if your loved one left any provisions for their funeral expenses in their final wishes. This may provide initial funding.
- Explore Death Benefits: Investigate potential death benefits available through your loved one's employer, Veteran Affairs, or union. These benefits may cover funeral costs or other burial-related expenses. Here is the VA burial benefits outline for veterans.
- Review Insurance Policies: If your loved one had life insurance, look into whether there is a payout option that can help cover funeral expenses. Additionally, check other insurance policies that might apply.
- Social Security Assistance: Survivors can apply for a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 through Social Security, which can be used to offset funeral costs. Learn more at Social Security Survivor Policy. Note that you must call 800-772-1213 to report the death.
- Crowdfunding: Consider using online platforms like SupportNow to raise funds for funeral-related expenses. Friends and family are often willing to provide financial support or contribute flowers and food to the funeral service. Create a free account on Support Now here.
- Local Assistance: Contact local government departments such as Human Services, Social Services, or the Human Resource Administration to inquire about potential financial assistance options in your state or county. Here is a guide to check state funding options based on your state.
- FEMA / Covid-19 Benefits: If the death was related to Covid-19, you may qualify for funeral benefits through September 30, 2025. Review Fema’s website to understand eligibility.
By taking these actionable steps, you can find the necessary funding to ensure a respectful farewell for your loved one without unnecessary financial stress.
A more in depth blog on these topics can be found here - Finding Financial Support for Funerals: A comprehensive Guide to Help You
