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The death of a loved one is a traumatic, life-altering experience. A family member might die without a will, life insurance, or burial insurance. This results in financial hardship for family and friends who are faced with a devastating loss and the inability to pay for a funeral. Use these resources to research cost-effective options to plan and finance your loved one's final expenses.
1. Plan before you visit the funeral home. Make a budget, communicate with the funeral home about your budget, and explore available options. Use the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist to think about the items that you should consider as you plan.
2. Determine if the deceased was a member of a community organization such as a church or served in the military. Local religious organizations and other community organizations might help with final expenses. In addition, some charities help families. The United Way offers information about coping with final expenses.
3. The federal government provides a variety of ways to help with funeral expenses:
- The Social Security Administration provides information on how to apply for death benefits (currently $255 if you are the surviving child or spouse).
- The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provides assistance with funeral expenses resulting from a declared emergency or natural disaster.
- FEMA continues to assist families if COVID was the cause of death.
- Learn how families of deceased veterans can receive aid from the Department of Veteran Affairs.
4. If the deceased was a victim of a fatal crime, some states cover the cost of a funeral. Learn which states offer funeral services for crime victims.
5. Donating a loved one's body to medical research allows you to have a memorial at a reduced cost. Facilities pay for transporting the body, and the remains will be cremated and returned to the family a few weeks later.