Getting $ Help
The Deceased's Estate
You may have to search deeply to find and gain access to a benefit the deceased is entitled to. Life Insurance benefits can be offered through the deceased’s bank, for example.
Look especially for receipts or contracts with funeral providers or cemeteries. Don’t overlook wallet-sized cards with who-to-call info.
If a the deceased was a veteran or married to one, check our Veterans page.
Ask a friend to help shop around
When friends ask how they can help, here’s how: Someone is going to have to make phone calls, not just search online. No texting; phone calls!
Paying less does NOT MEAN LESS QUALITY in this industry. Under each topic in the Pricing & Paying parts of this website, we offer guidance on how to lower your costs, but each part requires time and energy. Shopping around can SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!!
Social Security
As of 2023 Social Security will pay a lump sum death benefit of $255 to the spouse or dependent children. Information is on their Survivor’s Benefits page.
When death is from Covid-19
FEMA may pay up to $9000 in funeral related costs for those who died until Septmeber 2025. This link takes you directly to FEMA’s webpage.
When the body is at the morgue
“Indigent Burial” can also mean cremation. When a person dies and no one steps up to take responsibility, the body will get moved to the morgue, where the coroner’s office takes control. They will try hard to find a next of kin to take over, but if all contacts sufficiently prove they don’t have the money to handle the body, the coroner will do it in whatever way they choose. The family will pay nothing and get nothing back, except possibly a number identifier indicating what was done.
Victims Assistance
Each state is runs its own victims’ assistance programs, most of which include funeral and burial aid. Victim Connect provides resources for victims of crimes, including an interactive map to find the resources in each state and US territory.