The loss of our close one is an emotional time, but it is also a critical time when you feel that the funeral expense is so high that you can’t afford it. But don’t think of yourself alone. You’re not alone. Most low- and middle-income families can’t carry the burden of a high funeral cost of $11,000 in the USA.
Don’t worry! Fortunately, there are some charities and nonprofit organizations that can stand by you, in your emotional situation. Charities and churches that help with funeral expenses provide a valuable service to communities.
A list of several nonprofit organizations that fund or partner with charities that help with funeral costs can help you start looking for help.
That is why, in this article, I have explored some top nonprofit organizations and charities that can help you with funeral costs. They cover almost 99% of the funeral costs. Let’s explore the help with funeral costs charity.
What Is the Average Cost of a Funeral?
The funeral cost depends on several factors, including location, services chosen, and personal preferences. On average, a funeral in the United States can cost between $7,000 and $12,000.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in 2021 was approximately $7,848.
According to my research, this amount is an average amount. This amount can be changed depending on the location, your situation, etc.
12 Charities that Help with Funeral Costs
Funerals are incredibly expensive and many families do not have the means to cover funeral expenses, especially if the funeral is unexpected. If you don’t have money and can’t pay for a funeral, many programs can help you cover funeral expenses. If you’re worried about what happens when a family can’t cover a funeral, here’s what happens if you can’t pay for it.
1. Consumer protection organizations
With Funeral Advantage, policyholders receive free membership in the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization whose sole mission is to help its members save money.
A dedicated representative will help the member’s family purchase services in their area and make arrangements in the event of the death of a loved one.
Member families can save up to $600 on cremations and up to $1,800 on traditional funerals.
2. Help bury the children
Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA) serves children ages 1 to 17. The organization does not provide financial assistance to parents or guardians.
Instead, the group provides funerary vessels, cremation urns, and a database of donated resources.
The CBA database includes valuable information on funeral homes, cemeteries, crematoriums, florists, and companies that provide headstones, headstones, and caskets.
3. Final farewell
First on the list of charities that help with funeral costs is Final Farewell (https://www.finalfarewell.org/). When families cannot afford to hold their funerals, this charity helps them by providing funds.
This charity provides emergency funds and guidance to grieving families so they can say a proper farewell to their child/relative.
4. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA may cover funeral costs for victims of major disasters, either directly or indirectly. An example of a direct victim is someone who drowns in a flood or is crushed during an earthquake.
An indirect death is a death resulting from a disaster, such as a heart attack caused by a natural disaster.
The surviving family must prove that they do not have sufficient funds to cover burial expenses. FEMA (https://www.fema.gov/home) can help pay for expenses such as a casket or urn, morgue services, and up to five copies of the death certificate.
5. Charities of the Catholic Church
Catholic Charities Helping with Funeral Costs in the United States is a great place to get help with funeral expenses. You can contact the nearest branch in your state. The type of assistance available depends on the guidelines of each diocese. This includes providing burial assistance to families who are not in good financial standing.
6. Jewish Federation
This organization provides burial sites with Jewish cemeteries for those in need of financial assistance.
7. GoFundMe
Crowdfunding to pay for a funeral and memorial allows you to focus on honoring your loved one’s memory instead of worrying about finances.
When you’re ready to start your memorial fundraiser, it only takes a few minutes. In the United States, there is no fee to start or manage a GoFundMe fundraiser.
8. Tears Foundation
The TEARS Foundation pays directly to the funeral home and/or cemetery. Assistance is only provided if there is a balance left over for funeral expenses. Children who die are between 20 weeks of gestation and 12 years of age.
The Foundation pays funeral expenses over the maximum burial expenses for a child between 20 weeks of gestation and 1 year of age up to $500 for burial and up to $250 for cremation. An additional $250 may be paid for cremation urns, memorial items, and other items beyond the initial $250.
This Foundation pays directly to the funeral home up to $500 for funeral expenses for children under 1 year of age, as well as for fetuses after 20 weeks of gestation.
9. Salvation Army Burial Assistance Program
The Salvation Army Funeral Assistance Program focuses primarily on providing Salvation Army funeral assistance.
Assists with urns, caskets, burial, transportation, burial services, embalming fees, and other related expenses. By alleviating some of the financial burdens on the grieving family, this program aims to honor the dead in the best way possible.
10. National cemeteries
For eligible veterans, National Cemeteries provides burial services free of charge and pays no other funeral expenses. The Department of Veterans Affairs may also pay the costs of transporting remains to the national cemetery. You can find the nearest VA center by typing your city, state, or zip code.
11. Veterans Affairs (VA) funeral assistance
The level of funeral assistance for a veteran depends on several factors, including whether or not the death was related to military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to provide up to $796 for burial expenses if the death was not related to military service. If the death is service-connected, the VA will provide up to $2,000 in funeral assistance.
12. Hebrew Free Burial Association
Free Hebrew Burial is a charity committed to providing a free and dignified burial for Jews who cannot afford a funeral. They follow Jewish rituals to honor the deceased and provide support to their families when they grieve.
Funeral services primarily include graveside services, burial arrangements, and full support for families. They ensure that every Jewish family receives a respectful and correct burial.
13. The Memorial Society
A memorial society is a nonprofit organization that assists its members with affordable funeral arrangements for burial or cremation. The organizations work with local morgues and many funeral companies to provide the best and most cost-effective service to its members.
For example, the San Diego Memorial Association charges a one-time, non-refundable membership fee of $55 for individual members, $100 for two family members, and an additional $45 for each additional family member. Membership dues may vary by memorial association.
- Also read: Charities that Help with Title Loans
How to Find Some Local And State Charities? Exclusive Tips
Here are some tips for finding local and state charities that help with funeral costs.
1. Search Online
Search for local charities or non-profit organizations that help with funeral expenses using search engines. Some phrases include funeral assistance, burial aid, and your city or state.
2. Check Community Resources
Go to community centers, churches, or other places of worship, as they always have information on charitable organizations offering financial assistance.
3. Contact Funeral Homes
Some funeral homes may be aware of the available resources in the area and can direct you to the correct charities or organizations.
4. Social Services Departments
Contact your county or city’s social services office. They can offer details on the available financial assistance options for funerals.
5. Local Charity Directories – 211
Use directories such as United Way or 211.org to find local charities that provide financial assistance for funerals.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Each charity and organization has separate eligibility criteria and application process. Mostly low-income families are eligible to receive funeral cost assistance. To apply for this, applicants have to show financial crisis, proof of relationship to the deceased, and supply documentation of funeral costs.
- Submitting an Application: Forms are often found on the charity’s website.
- Providing Documentation: Proof of income, funeral bills, and death certificates may be required.
- Review and Approval: The charity reviews the application and, if approved, disburses funds directly to the funeral service provider.
Funeral Assistance for Low-income Families
Several programs provide funeral assistance for low income families. The Social Security Administration pays a lump-sum benefit of $255 to the survivors who qualify for it. Local and state governments may provide burial assistance for basic expenses.
There are some nonprofit organizations and charities such as the Funeral Consumers Alliance and the Final Farewell program which offer financial assistance or low cost services. Burial benefits may also be available to veterans through the VA. Families can also look into crowdfunding or inquire with funeral homes about financing or payment plans or if they offer a scale. These resources assist in reducing the financial pressure during such a time.
Conclusion
We know that planning for funeral costs is very emotional. But it is necessary to do so. Fortunately, some charities help with funeral costs, as they not only help with funeral costs, but they also stand by you emotionally.
For more information and support, reach out to the mentioned organizations and financial advisors to ensure you are prepared for all eventualities.
Below, I have listed a few FAQs to resolve your confusion. If you have any further queries, you can contact us.
FAQs
What types of assistance do charities provide for funeral costs?
Charities offer cash payments to help with funeral expenses, funeral grants, free or low-cost funeral services from funeral homes, and help in planning and organizing funerals.
Who is eligible to receive help from charities for funeral costs?
It depends on the charity. Though according to some basic eligibility criteria, people who belong to low income families, experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or families of deceased individuals who were veterans, children, or victims of crime or disaster.
Can charities help with both burial and cremation costs?
Yes, many charities assist with both burial and cremation costs. It’s best to inquire directly with the charity to understand the types of services they cover.
Can I receive help from more than one charity for funeral costs?
Yes, you can receive help from more than one charity for funeral costs.
