Burial Assistance for Low-Income Families: Find Help with Funeral Costs

Introduction

Funerals are expensive, and for families who are already having a hard time with money, the cost can be too much to handle.This guide will explain the different ways low-income families can get help paying for a funeral. It includes help from the government, support from each state, and programs run by charities.

You’ll learn what kind of help is out there, who can get it, how much you might receive, and how to apply.

Is There Burial Assistance for Low-Income Families?

Yes, there is burial assistance available for low-income families. Burial assistance is financial help that can cover some or all of the costs related to a funeral, burial, or cremation. This help can come from the government, states, or private charities. It may pay for things like a basic casket, burial plot, or cremation services.

Who Is Considered “Low-Income”?

To qualify for burial assistance, a person or family must usually meet low-income guidelines. These are based on income limits set by the federal or state government. For example, in 2025, a family of four earning less than $31,200 a year may be considered low-income under the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some programs also look at assets, like savings or property.

Each state or program may use slightly different income limits, so it’s important to check the rules in your area.

Why Is Burial Assistance Needed?

Funeral costs have gone up a lot in recent years. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA):

• In 2024, the average cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial was around $8,300.
• A funeral with cremation cost an average of $6,300.

For many families, these prices are simply too high. That’s why more and more people are looking for financial help to pay for final arrangements.

Burial Assistance for Low-Income Families in California

Statewide & County‑Specific Programs

California doesn’t offer a statewide burial assistance program, but most counties have a General Assistance (GA/General Relief) program that can cover funeral or cremation costs for those in need .

Examples:

• Los Angeles County
  • Monthly GA max: $221 (individual), $375 (couple) 
  • Covers burial or cremation if the person is indigent, has no income or assets and follows GA rules.
• San Diego County
  • Income limit: <$598/month (individual), <$819 (couple); assets capped at $1,500 + vehicle (<$4,650)
  • “Indigent Burial Program” in Public Administrator’s Office also available
• Contra Costa County
  • GA offices provide county-funded burial services, usually covering cost of cremation for those with no estate or family resources 
• Kings County
  • GA may assist with burial or cremation of indigent residents 

How to Apply & Who Qualifies

1. Check eligibility under your county’s GA program:
   • Income thresholds (typically < $200–$600/month), low assets, citizenship/legal resident status.
2. Apply for GA:
   • Via BenefitsCal, online, by phone, or in person at the county DPSS office.
   • For death‑related needs: report the situation and request burial/cremation aid under GA/GR.
3. Required steps:
   • Provide death certificate, income proof, asset info.
   • Only one GA burial per person; if death benefits are received (like Social Security’s $255), the county may recoup them.

County Contacts – How to Reach Help

• Los Angeles County DPSS (General Relief): Apply via BenefitsCal or call (866) 613‑3777
• San Diego County HHSA: Call (858) 694‑3900, reach 2‑1‑1 for info
• Contra Costa GA Offices: East, Central, West county offices – call central at (866) 663‑3225.
• Kings County GA: Offices in Hanford and Corcoran – check county website or call local DPSS .

Typical Funding Limits

• Assistance generally covers basic cremation or burial costs only.
• Benefit amounts vary by county: GA monthly grants range from ~$160 to $360, applied toward funeral if needed 
• No set statewide cap determined locally by county boards.

Low-Income Cremation Assistance Options

Cremation vs. Traditional Burial

• Traditional burial averages $8,300; cremation around $6,300 (NFDA data—see previous section).
• Direct cremation, which skips embalming and service, can be as low as $995–$1,000 in California

County & Nonprofit Support

• County GA/indigent programs generally cover basic cremation, often without extra memorial services (see Contra Costa, San Diego) .
• Nonprofits like San Diego Memorial Society offer low-cost plans; even membership-based savings for burial/cremation .
• Local foundations such as Angel Fund in Sacramento grant $1,000 for funeral/cremation costs.

Veterans’ Benefits for Cremation

• VA provides a burial allowance (up to ~$762) and covers interment and transportation for veterans under care at death; otherwise, around $300
• These funds can be used for direct cremation costs but must be paid back to providers via reimbursement.

When Direct Cremation Is Fully Covered

• If the county GA program has no applicant estate, and the person has no family/resources, the program may cover full cost of direct cremation.
• Combine VA burial allowance with GA funds to possibly hit total cost (~$1,000), covering everything.
• Body donation or medical school donations often result in free cremation if consented in advance 

Key Takeaways

Government Assistance for Funeral Costs

If you’re struggling to afford a funeral, some government programs may be able to help. These can come from the federal government, your state, or even a tribe if you’re a member of one.

1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is a federal program that gives money to low-income families with children. Some states allow TANF funds to be used for emergency needs like funeral costs. You must:

• Be very low-income.
• Have dependent children.
• Apply through your state’s TANF or human services department.

Important: Not all states allow TANF to be used for funeral expenses. You’ll need to check with your local office.

2. Social Security Death Benefit (also called the Lump-Sum Death Benefit)

Social Security offers a small one-time payment of $255 to help with funeral costs. It is paid to:

• A surviving spouse living in the same household.
• Or, if none, a dependent child.

This Lump-Sum Death Benefit must be claimed within two years of the person’s death. You can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office.

 Note: This payment is small and won’t cover the full cost of a funeral, but every bit helps.

3. State Funeral Assistance Programs

Some states offer special funeral grants for low-income residents. These vary a lot by location:

• Some states give cash aid (like $400–$1,200).
• Others offer services, like cremation at a county facility.
• Many states run this help through General Relief or Public Assistance programs.

Examples:

• New York: Up to $900 if the total funeral cost is under a set limit.
• Colorado: Offers up to $1,500 to qualified families.
• California: County-level help through General Assistance (see earlier section).

To qualify, you usually must show:

• Very low income.
• No other family resources.
• Proof of the person’s death and your relationship to them.

4. Tribal Burial Assistance

If you are a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, you may be able to get help through:

• The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Social Services.
• Your tribe’s own assistance programs.

The BIA may provide help with:

• Funeral expenses.
• Transportation of the body.
• Basic cremation or burial services.

To apply, contact your tribal social services office or a local BIA agency. You’ll need to show financial need and tribal membership.

Funeral Assistance for Low-Income Families in California

If you’re facing the loss of a loved one and need help covering funeral expenses, California offers several programs that may assist, especially for low-income families. Here’s a breakdown of key options:

1. CalWORKs Funeral Expense Benefits

Overview:
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is California’s welfare program for families with children. In certain situations, CalWORKs can provide one-time funeral or burial assistance through county welfare offices.

Eligibility:

• Must be an active CalWORKs recipient.
• The deceased may be a family member or someone under the family’s care.
• Income and asset limits apply, but burial funds are generally exempt.

Average Assistance:
While the exact amount varies by county, typical allowances range from $500 to $2,000, depending on county policies and available funds.

How to Apply:

• Contact your county CalWORKs office.
• Provide necessary documentation, including:
  • Proof of death (e.g., death certificate).
  • Funeral cost estimates or bills.
  • CalWORKs case details.
• The caseworker will process the request through the CalSAWS system.

2. California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)

Overview:
The CalVCB assists victims of violent crimes and their families with various expenses, including funeral costs, when the death results from a qualifying crime.

Eligibility:

• The deceased must have died due to a qualifying violent crime (e.g., homicide, assault).
• The applicant must not have been involved in the crime.
• The claim must be filed within three years of the crime, with some exceptions.

Assistance Provided:

• Up to $7,500 for funeral and burial expenses.
• Additional support may be available for crime scene cleanup, relocation, and other related costs.

Application Process:

• Submit a claim online via the CalVCB portal or by mail.
• Required documents include:
  • Death certificate.
  • Police report or evidence linking the death to a qualifying crime.
  • Funeral bills and proof of payment.
• The CalVCB reviews the claim and determines eligibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Additional Resources: Burial Help from Charities and Nonprofits

If government help isn’t enough, many charities and nonprofits can also assist with funeral costs:

• National Charities:
  Groups like the Funeral Consumers Alliance help families understand funeral options and find affordable services. Final Farewell offers emergency funeral assistance in some cases.
• Religious Organizations:
  Many churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith groups provide financial aid or free burial services to members and sometimes even to the wider community.
• Crowdfunding Platforms:
  Websites like GoFundMe allow families to raise money for funeral expenses by sharing their story with friends, family, and even strangers who want to help.
• Local Help:
  Check with local community groups, food banks, or places of worship. Many offer small grants, donated services, or connections to burial assistance.

Understanding the Social Security Death Benefit

When someone who received Social Security benefits passes away, the family may be eligible for a one-time death payment:

• What it Covers:
  A small $255 payment meant to help with funeral expenses.
• Who Is Eligible:
  The payment goes to the surviving spouse living with the deceased at the time of death. If there’s no spouse, a dependent child can receive it.
• How to Claim:
  You must apply within two years after the death by contacting Social Security:
  • Visit a local Social Security office with the death certificate and proof of relationship.
• Common Misconceptions:
  This payment is not a full funeral benefit; it won’t cover all costs but can help a little. Some families expect more, but it’s a small one-time amount.

Conclusion

Funeral costs can feel overwhelming, but there are resources out there for families in need. The most accessible options include the Social Security death benefit, state or county funeral grants, CalWORKs support in California, and nonprofit or religious aid.

Whether you’re applying for a government program or reaching out to a local charity, every bit of help can ease the burden. Don’t overlook crowdfunding or community support; many families find relief through combined efforts.

If you or someone you know is in need, don’t hesitate to apply help is available. Even small steps can make a big difference in this difficult time.