10 Charities That Help With Funeral Costs​ – Ultimate Guide

Funerals in the U.S. generally may cost from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on services, location, and burial or cremation preferences. During the time of grief, families often struggle to cover these costs, especially when death was sudden or unexpected.

Many people do not even feel that expenses such as casket, embalming, transportation, and cemetery plots are quickly added. This is the place where charities that help with the cost of a funeral can create a significant difference by reducing the financial burden and allowing families to focus on healing.

Here in this article, through the help of churchesthathelpus, we will explore the list of charities that help with funeral costs, and also who can get help, how to get help, how to apply for the assistance, and many more details that you need to know.

Why Funeral Assistance Is Important?

The funeral assistance helps to give a dignified farewell to families with low incomes without going into debt. These programs:

• Reduce financial stress during emotionally difficult times.
• Provide help to underserved communities.
• Ensure that no one is denied proper burial due to lack of funds.

Top 10 Charities That Help With Funeral Costs​

Here, churchesthathelpus has listed a few top charities that help with funeral costs for the needy, low-income people, and families. Here, churchesthathelpus has described the list of charities. Now, check the list and get help accordingly.

1. Final Farewell

The final farewell provides financial assistance to the families struggling to bear the cost of burying a child. They focus on helping low-income families across the United States and cover a portion of the funeral expenses. In addition to financial assistance, they provide emotional assistance during this challenging time.

2. Children’s Burial Assistance, Inc.

This non-profit family helps in burying children of 1–17 years of age by providing donated plots, caskets, and urns. They do nationwide work and help with funeral services and cremation expenses. The organization depends on community donations and volunteers to support unhappy families. Their mission is to ensure that no child is left without a proper goodbye due to a lack of funds.

3. The TEARS Foundation

The TEARS Foundation helps families who have lost a child from the age of 20 weeks to 12 years of age. They provide financial assistance for funeral services and also provide colleague-based grief assistance. The organization works in many American states, and there is a formal application process for assistance.

4. Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)

The FCA is not a direct financial support provider, but provides the resources and guidance required to help families reduce the cost of a funeral. This national network of colleagues helps people connect with local resources and budget-friendly service providers. The FCA gives families the right to make a cost-effective decision informed during a crisis.

5. FEMA Funeral Assistance Program

FEMA provides funerals to families who have lost loved ones due to federally declared disasters. This program helps in covering expenses such as transport, burial, and funeral services. Applicants have to provide documentation like a death certificate and a receipt to qualify. The program ensures that disaster-stricken families are not overwhelmed by unexpected funeral costs.

6. United Way

United Way doesn’t directly pay for funerals, but connects people with local programs and nonprofits that offer funeral or burial assistance. By calling 2-1-1, families can speak with a specialist who will guide them to the right resources in their area. United Way’s wide network ensures help is accessible, even in rural or underserved communities.

7. Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial benefits to eligible veterans and their families. This includes a partial reimbursement of funeral expenses in a national cemetery, a headstone, etc. The VA ensures that the veterans get a respectful and honorable burial.

8. Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities offers limited funeral assistance to low-income individuals, especially those facing homelessness or with no next of kin. Services differ from the location, but many local Catholic charitable colleagues help cover the cost of burial or cremation. They also provide spiritual support and grief counseling. Families are encouraged to reach their local office for available resources.

9. Modest Needs Foundation – Based in New York, Serves Nationwide

Modest Needs gives short-term grants to low-income U.S. households facing unexpected bills, including funeral costs. They verify income and need, and once approved, they pay vendors (like funeral homes) directly. Their goal is to help families remain financially stable during hardship. Applications are accepted online and processed relatively quickly.

10. GoFundMe (via GoFundMe.org)

While there is no traditional donation, GoFundMe is widely used in the US, especially for families requiring immediate funeral services. Families can create a verified fundraiser and receive donations from friends, family, and strangers. GoFundMe.org also supports emergency need-based fundraisers with potential extra funding. It’s a fast and transparent way to gather funeral funds.

These are the top 10 churches that may help people during their most difficult time with funeral expenses.

• Also read: Charities That Help Pay for Headstones

Burial Assistance for the Uninsured

Now, here we have listed a few burial assistance programs for uninsured people and families. Check the list of programs here:

Local County or City Burial Assistance Programs

Many counties and cities offer burial assistance programs for people without any financial means. These programs often provide basic burial or cremation rituals, which are sometimes referred to as “indigent burial” or “pauper’s funeral.”. While services can be minimal, they ensure that the deceased gets a respectable burial.

Social Security Lump-Sum Death Benefit

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time death benefit to the eligible family members of the deceased. Although this amount does not cover full funeral costs, it can help offset the share of spending. To qualify, the deceased must have worked for a long time under Social Security.

Funeral Home Payment Plans and Sliding Scales

Some funerals offer discounts for families without home insurance. Others may offer interest-free payment schemes or refer families to charitable programs with which they are partners. It is important to ask upfront about any particular pricing or assistance.

Nonprofit and Church Assistance

Many churches and nonprofit organizations help cover burial costs for uninsured people. These groups may offer direct financial help or partner with funeral homes to provide discounted services. In times of need, some churches also help with organizing memorial services at no cost. Families should contact local nonprofit or charitable organizations to explore options.

These are the programs that may help you with burial expenses.

• Also read: Churches That Help With Funeral Expenses

Red Cross Funeral Help

The American Red Cross usually does not provide direct funeral cost assistance, but it can still be a valuable resource for families facing a loss, especially in disaster-related situations. If a natural disaster, fire, or death occurs during an emergency, the Red Cross can offer emergency financial assistance, temporary housing, and emotional care.

In such cases, their services can help cover related expenses such as transport, food, or shelter, which can reduce the overall financial burden. They also provide crisis consultation and referrals to local organizations that can help with burial or cremation. Families can contact their local Red Cross chapter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for specific guidance.

How to Get Funeral Assistance for Low-income Families?

To get help with funeral assistance for low-income families you definitely have to follow a few tips that are described here:

✅Contact Local Government Programs

Start by contacting the Human Services or Social Services Department of your city or county. Many local governments offer indigent burial programs that provide free or low-cost funerals for families with no means to pay. These programs usually cover cremation or simple buried services.

✅Apply for Nonprofit Assistance

Organizations such as the final Farewell, the TEARS Foundation, and Children’s Burial Assistance help in paying low-income families for funeral services, especially when a child is involved. These non-profit organizations provide help with funeral costs, caskets, urns, and sometimes burial plots. Applications are available online and often require income verification.

✅Check for FEMA Funeral Assistance

If a union member dies due to the declared disaster, FEMA provides up to $9,000 in funeral expenses. Families with low income can apply, even if they have minimal resources, until the death certificate lists the disaster as a cause. Receipts and documentation are required. This can be an important resource for sudden and unexpected losses.

✅Contact with Churches and Nonprofit Organizations

Local churches and nonprofit organizations often step in to help low-income families with funeral costs. They may pay for part of the funeral, offer space for the service, or connect families with charitable resources. Some churches have designated benevolence funds for emergency needs.

✅Use Crowdfunding Platforms

Families can turn to sites like GoFundMe or Fundly to raise money for funeral expenses. These platforms allow friends, family, and even strangers to donate online. Be honest and heartfelt in your campaign description to increase support. This method has helped many low-income families give their loved ones a dignified goodbye.

Follow the tips that are described here to get funeral cost from charities.

• Also read: Churches That Help Low Income Families

Who Are Eligible to Get Funeral Expense Assistance?

To get help with funeral assistance for low-income families, you have to follow a few tips that are described here:

✔️Low-Income Families

Most assistance programs are designed for limited income or no savings people or families. You may need to provide proof of income, unemployment status, or government assistance (such as SNAP or Medicaid) to qualify.

✔️Uninsured or Indigent Deceased Persons

If the deceased had no life insurance, no assets, and no family able to pay, they are often considered “indigent.” In such cases, counties or cities may cover basic funeral or cremation services.

✔️Death Caused by a Disaster

FEMA’s funerals, such as programs, are available if death was caused by a union declared disaster. The death certificate should mention disaster as a cause.

✔️Veterans and Their Families

The veterans are eligible for the benefit of burial through veteran cases of the US Department, including free burial and tomb markers in national cemeteries. Spouses and dependents may also be eligible.

✔️Families of Deceased Children

Some nonprofit organizations help specifically with children’s funerals. Families must usually show financial hardship and provide a copy of the child’s birth and death certificates.

If you need to know the specific eligibility requirements then contact the charity diectly.

How to Apply for Funeral Expense Assistance? Exclusive tips to apply

To apply for the funeral expenses, follow the application procedure that is described here:

1. Collect Essential Documents

Before applying, collect important documents such as a death certificate, proof of income, a funeral bill or estimation, and the identity of the applicant and the deceased. If the deceased had no property or insurance, include documentation to show it.

2. Contact Local Government or Social Services

Contact your city or county’s Human Services or Social Welfare Department. Ask about indigent burial or any local funeral assistance. Complete their application form and submit the required documents. These programs typically help low-income families.

3. Apply to Charitable Organizations

Organizations like Catholic Charities, The TEARS Foundation, or St. Vincent de Paul Society offer funeral help. Visit their websites or contact local chapters. You’ll usually need to fill out an online or paper application and provide proof of financial need.

4. Apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance (if applicable)

If death was related to a federally declared disaster, go to www.fema.gov/funeral-assistance. Create an account, fill out the application, and upload documents such as the death certificate (listing disaster as a cause) and paid funeral receipts. FEMA can reimburse up to $9,000.

5. Speak with Funeral Homes

Some funeral homes offer payment plans, discounted services, or help you connect you with aid programs. Stay open about your financial condition- they can waive fees or offer sliding-scale services.

To apply for the assistance, follow the application procedure step by step online.

Also read: Churches That Help With Finances

FAQs

• How long does it take to get assistance?

Some programs offer immediate aid; others take 2–4 weeks. Government programs may take longer due to verification.

• Are funeral assistance programs only for deaths caused by disasters?

Not all. While FEMA helps after disasters, charities help regardless of cause, especially in cases involving infants or financial hardship.

• Is cremation covered by funeral aid?

Yes, many charities support cremation services, and some even recommend it as a cost-saving alternative.

Conclusion

While facing the loss of a loved one, no one should bear the burden alone. From national non-profit organizations to local church groups, several donations help and provide relief with the cost of a funeral. Take time out to detect your options, apply for many sources of assistance, and remember: Help is available when you need the most.