Funeral & Burial Help
You don't have to bury someone you love alone. Or in debt.
Funerals cost an average of $8,000. Most families don't have that. Here are the federal benefits, county programs, and free options most people aren't told about.
Move in this order
Today
Call the funeral home and ask for the General Price List (the law says they have to give it to you). Compare two or three.
This week
File for the Social Security lump-sum death benefit. Apply for any veterans burial benefits. Check the county indigent burial program.
Federal benefits
Social Security lump-sum death benefit
$255 paid to a surviving spouse or dependent child of someone who paid into Social Security. It's not much, but it's something. Apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or going to a Social Security office. Has to be claimed within two years of the death.
Veterans burial benefits
If the deceased was a veteran, the VA pays for a free burial in a national cemetery, a free headstone or marker, a free burial flag, and (for service-connected deaths) a substantial allowance. For non-service-connected deaths, the VA still pays a smaller allowance. Apply at va.gov/burials-memorials or 1-800-827-1000.
Workers' compensation (if death was work-related)
If your loved one died from a work-related injury or illness, your state's workers' compensation often pays burial costs and survivor benefits. File quickly — many states have short deadlines.
County indigent burial
Almost every county has an indigent burial program for families who genuinely can't afford the cost. Coverage varies — some pay for a basic burial, others for cremation only, others provide a public assistance funeral. Call the county coroner's office, the social services office, or a local funeral home and ask about the indigent burial process.
Cremation is far cheaper than burial
Direct cremation — without a viewing, casket, or full service — typically costs $1,000–$2,000 versus $8,000+ for a traditional funeral. You can still hold a memorial service afterward at a church, home, park, or community space. The funeral home is required by federal law (the FTC Funeral Rule) to give you an itemized price list and to let you decline anything you don't want.
Body donation programs
Many medical schools and research programs accept body donations and cover all costs — pickup, cremation, return of cremated remains to the family. This is a legitimate, dignified, completely free option that some families use. Search "[your state] body donation program" or ask the funeral home.
If you've started a GoFundMe
It's allowed, but read the rules. Some states tax it. Coordinated, narrative-driven campaigns work better than vague ones. List specific costs (cremation $1,500, transport $300, etc.) so people see what their gift covers.
Where to get help
Read this next
→ What to do when you can't afford the funeral