Guide: Help with Funeral Costs

by Dr. Aslam Abdullah

Nearly 8,000 people die in the U.S. each day. The rising burial cost has made it difficult for some 40 percent of families to afford it. Even though we put a religious tag on the dead body, the Creator wants us to be respectful to everyone who returns to him. Burial, cremation, leaving dead bodies to vultures are part of our traditions. They are in practice throughout our history. Muslims, Jews, part of Hindus and Christians. and some Buddhists and atheists believe in burial. The cost of a burial is higher than cremation.

Like the rest of the population, Muslims have many families who find it hard to bear a simple burial cost. Whenever any family faces such a situation, the community comes forward and raise the necessary funds. Still, the estimates are that one in every hundred dead Muslims may face cremation due to several factors.

Financial assistance is available to help pay for some or all of the burial costs for low-income families, the working poor, and senior citizens living on a limited income.

Some states might offer direct financial help for paying funeral bills, caskets, transportation costs if the death was out of state to families in hardship. The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides advice and services to deserving families. The FCA is a non-profit group and partners with several affiliates that operate across the nation.

The phone number of the main office of Funeral Consumers Alliance is 1-802-482-3437.

Social Security Administration might help individuals who are currently receiving Social Security payments from the federal government.

Alabama – According to Alabama law, each county needs to pay the necessary burial expenses and funeral costs of someone who has died in the county, provided they don’t have financial means.

Alaska – Assistance is only offered for tribal members.

Arizona – Limited burial/cremation expenses may are available. Call your local county office.

Arkansas – Each County Judge offers a Paupers fund to the indigent and low income. This fund is payable to the funeral home for individuals with no insurance or cash to pay for a funeral.

California – No statewide assistance is available. Call your local coroner’s office for advice and the county before contacting a funeral home.

Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) offers Burial Assistance.

Connecticut Department of Social Services – This government agency will pay up to $1800, less any assets in the deceased’s estate, toward funeral or burial expenses.

Delaware – May contribute up to $400 for pauper burial in one of three county cemeteries.

Florida Health and Human Services provides proper burial arrangements for poverty-stricken residents and whose bodies are unclaimed.

Georgia – No statewide program.

Hawaii – The state provides up to $400 toward funeral home or crematory expenses. The government may also offer other support as an additional $400 for cemetery expenses.

Idaho – Funeral assistance varies by county. For example, Twin Falls may offer up to $895 for Basic Service and $695 for funeral $695.

Illinois Department of Human Services operates the Funeral and Burial Unit at (217) 524-5294. This government-run department pays the funeral and burial expenses of a person with limited income and assets. Limits include up to $1,103 for funeral costs and/or $552 for burial costs. But the family needs to apply as well. The amount of money spent, including family contribution and state assistance, may not exceed $2,000 for cemetery costs and $2,000 in funeral expenses/bills.

Indiana – Offers burial assistance.

Iowa – Provides temporary cash and grant assistance with basic and special needs, such as funeral services or related expenses.

Kansas – No programs are available.

Kentucky can pay for indigent burials. Individuals who are without financial means or insurance can get the cost of a funeral.

Louisiana – Call your local county for advice.

Maine – The state general assistance fund can pay for funerals/burials. It depends on funding levels as well as the qualification of the applicant.

Maryland Department of Human Resources runs the Burial Assistance Program. Aid is only available when their families cannot afford funeral costs on their own. 1-800-332-6347

Massachusetts – The Department of Transitional Assistance is responsible for funeral and burial expenses for those with no other options or means available to them.

Michigan offers a program known as Home & Burial Services. Burial payment assistance may be available to pay for expenses such as a funeral, the burial itself, church service, or even the costs associated with the donation of a body to a medical school.

Minnesota – Some counties in the state, such as Hennepin, offer Funeral Assistance