This guide maps out burial assistance options across America. Every state and most counties maintain some form of support for families who can’t afford funeral costs. Understanding these resources prevents families from facing impossible decisions during their most vulnerable moments. While the process varies by location, assistance is available—you need to know where to find it.
Typical Burial Assistance
Direct Cremation Cost
Application Process
Income Limit (Typical)
What Actually Happens Without Funds
The Body Doesn’t Remain Unburied
In America, no one is legally required to remain unburied because their family lacks funds. When a family cannot pay for funeral services, responsibility transfers to the government. The hospital, coroner’s office, or Social Services directs the family to available assistance programs. If assistance is insufficient and the family truly cannot contribute, the county or state arranges burial at public expense—typically through the county coroner or medical examiner’s office.
County Indigent Burial Programs
Most counties maintain indigent burial programs specifically to handle deaths when families cannot pay. The county arranges cremation or simple burial, typically at county expense. These programs ensure the dignified disposition of remains while minimizing cost. The process isn’t luxurious—usually direct cremation with ashes returned to family, or burial in a county cemetery—but it honors the deceased and prevents the family’s financial inability from creating a crisis.
Process Overview
When someone dies at a hospital or in state custody, hospital social workers inform the family of assistance options. If the family qualifies for welfare/Medicaid, those programs cover funeral costs first. If not, the county Social Services department handles applications for burial assistance. If the family meets income requirements and has insufficient assets, the program covers costs. The family doesn’t select the funeral home or service details—the county does—but the body is handled respectfully and the deceased receives dignified disposition.
Types of Burial Assistance Available
1. Medicaid Funeral Expense Assistance
Program: Federal/State program covering funeral costs for Medicaid beneficiaries.
If the deceased was receiving Medicaid, Medicaid typically covers funeral expenses up to $1,200-$2,500, depending on the state. This is often the first resource tapped. The funeral home bills Medicaid directly; the family is not charged. Each state sets specific amounts and processes, but federal Medicaid requires all states to provide this coverage.
2. SSI/Social Security Income Funeral Assistance
Program: May cover funeral costs for recipients of Supplemental Security Income.
If the deceased was receiving SSI (benefits for elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with minimal income and assets), Social Security may cover funeral expenses. Typically limited ($1,000-$1,500 maximum), but available immediately, and doesn’t require an extensive application process.
3. County/City Indigent Burial Assistance
Program: County government programs for residents unable to pay funeral costs.
Most counties administer burial assistance directly through the Social Services or the County Coroner’s office. Income limits vary by county but typically require family income at or below the poverty line. Assistance amounts range $1,000-$2,500. Application involves proving income inadequacy; decisions typically occur within days to weeks.
4. Religious and Nonprofit Organizations
Program: Faith-based charities and nonprofits providing funeral assistance to community members.
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and community nonprofits often maintain funds specifically for funeral assistance. Eligibility typically requires church membership or community connection. Amounts vary but frequently cover partial or full costs. These organizations prioritize helping families in crisis and often process applications quickly with minimal documentation.
5. Employer/Union Death Benefits
Program: Employer or union death benefits covering funeral costs for employees/members.
Many employers and nearly all unions provide death benefits covering funeral costs for deceased employees and sometimes spouses/dependents. Amounts typically range $1,500-$5,000. Families should contact the deceased’s employer or union immediately after death to inquire about available benefits.
6. Crowdfunding and Community Support
Program: GoFundMe, Facebook fundraisers, and community collections raising funeral costs.
When family and community members care about the deceased, crowdfunding campaigns often raise significant funds quickly. Success varies based on community size and awareness, but many families cover complete funeral costs through community fundraising. This requires social media savvy and community connection, but costs nothing to attempt.
State-by-State Examples (2025)
Important Note on State Programs
Burial assistance programs vary significantly by state and county. What applies in one county may not apply in another. Income limits, assistance amounts, and application processes differ. The examples below represent general approaches in 2025; specific details change annually. Always contact your local county Social Services or coroner’s office for current, accurate information specific to your location.
California
Program: County-administered burial assistance through social services.
Medicaid Coverage: California Medicaid covers up to $4,000 for eligible beneficiaries. County Programs: Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and other jurisdictions provide burial assistance for indigent residents.
Income Limit: Generally at or below 200% of the poverty line.
Contact: County Department of Social Services or county coroner’s office.
Texas
Program: Texas Medicaid covers funeral and burial expenses up to $2,500. Individual counties administer local programs.
County Variations: Travis County (Austin) provides burial assistance; Dallas County maintains its own program.
Income Limit: Medicaid eligibility determines coverage.
Contact: Texas Department of Human Services or county coroner’s office.
New York
Program: New York Medicaid covers funeral and burial expenses for eligible deceased. City of New York provides indigent burial services through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
NYC Program: Handles cremations for individuals without burial funds; ashes available to families.
Contact: County Department of Social Services or NYC DOHMH.
Florida
Program: Florida Medicaid covers funeral costs up to $1,500 for eligible beneficiaries. County programs vary significantly.
Miami-Dade County: Administers burial assistance.
Hillsborough County: Provides cremation services through the public health department. Contact: Florida Department of Children and Families or county coroner.
Illinois
Program: Illinois Medicaid covers funeral and burial expenses up to $2,500. Chicago and Cook County administer burial assistance programs.
Cook County: Provides cremation services for indigent residents.
Contact: Illinois Department of Human Services or county social services.
Pennsylvania
Program: Pennsylvania Medicaid (HealthChoices) covers funeral expenses up to $2,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh maintain county burial assistance programs.
Contact: PA Department of Human Services or the county office of community development.
Ohio
Program: Ohio Medicaid covers funeral costs up to $1,750. Counties administer burial assistance programs.
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): Operates burial assistance through the Department of Human Services.
Contact: Ohio Department of Medicaid or county DSS.
Georgia
Program: The Georgia Department of Human Services administers Medicaid, which covers burial costs. Fulton County (Atlanta) provides burial assistance through the Probate Court.
Income Limit: At or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Contact: Georgia DHS or county probate court.
Washington State
Program: Washington Medicaid covers funeral and burial expenses. King County (Seattle) and other jurisdictions administer burial assistance.
Seattle Program: The Coroner’s office handles cremations for indigent residents.
Contact: Washington Department of Health Care or county coroner.
How to Access Assistance
Step 1: Contact County Social Services Immediately
Action: Call your county Social Services department or the coroner’s office.
Tell them the deceased has no burial funds. Most counties maintain information hotlines or can direct you to the burial assistance program. Explain your situation directly—social workers manage these crises regularly and can guide you through available options. If the death is recent (in hospital or coroner’s custody), hospital social workers can direct you to resources immediately.
Step 2: Determine Medicaid or SSI Eligibility
Action: Check whether the deceased was receiving Medicaid or SSI benefits.
If yes, Medicaid likely covers funeral costs automatically. Contact the state Medicaid office or bring documentation of benefits to the funeral home. Medicaid typically requires minimal paperwork for funeral coverage. If the deceased wasn’t receiving benefits but had very low income/assets, they may qualify for emergency assistance from the same programs.
Step 3: Apply for County Burial Assistance
Action: Complete application with county social services if not Medicaid-eligible.
Most applications require proof of income (or lack thereof), proof of death (death certificate), and identification. Processing typically takes 3-10 business days. The county issues a determination letter either approving assistance or explaining why you don’t qualify. If approved, assistance is issued either to you or directly to the funeral home.
Step 4: Contact the Funeral Home About Assistance
Action: Inform the funeral home you’re applying for burial assistance.
Most funeral homes regularly work with burial assistance programs and understand the process. Tell them you’re waiting for assistance approval. Many will delay billing if they know assistance is pending. Some funeral homes receive direct payment from the government and bill you only for any costs exceeding assistance amounts. Communication prevents misunderstandings and late fees.
Step 5: If Application is Denied, Appeal or Seek Alternative Resources
Action: Request reconsideration if you believe the denial is wrong, or pursue nonprofit/religious assistance.
If county assistance is denied (too much income or assets), you have the right to appeal the decision. Alternatively, contact charitable organizations, churches, or nonprofits that may provide additional help. Crowdfunding through social media can also supplement or fully cover remaining costs.
Low-Cost Alternatives
Direct Cremation
Cost: $1,500-$2,500 nationally. What It Includes: Pickup of body, cremation, return of ashes in temporary container. Timeline: 3-7 days. Availability: All states. This is the most cost-effective option and is frequently covered by burial assistance programs. Families can hold memorial services later without the body present, reducing overall costs.
Funeral Home Prepaid Packages
Cost: $2,000-$4,000 for basic services. What It Includes: Limited services, modest casket, and graveside-only service. Benefit: Frequently offered as the lowest-cost options; often eligible for burial assistance coverage. Many funeral homes maintain partnerships with government agencies to ensure economical options are available.
County Cemetery Burial
Cost: $500-$1,500 typically. What It Includes: County cemetery plot and gravedigger/burial services; no casket or funeral service. Availability: Most counties maintain public cemeteries for residents unable to afford private burial. Families arrange their own memorial services.
Memorial Services Without Body
Cost: Minimal ($0-$500). What It Includes: Gathering at home, church, or park for remembrance; family provides refreshments. Benefit: Free or very low cost. Meaningful memorial without an expensive ceremony. Can be held weeks or months after cremation, giving families time to plan and invite people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to bury someone after they die?
Direct answer: Varies by state, typically 3-10 days, though extensions are available if needed.
Most states require burial/cremation within a specific timeframe (often 3-10 days). However, health departments can grant extensions if burial assistance is pending or for religious reasons. Contact your local health department or coroner for specific requirements in your state. The timeframe is not absolute; arrangements can be extended if you’re waiting for assistance approval.
Will burial assistance cover all funeral costs?
Direct answer: Usually covers most or all costs for direct cremation or basic burial, but may not cover elaborate services.
Burial assistance ($1,000-$2,500) typically covers direct cremation completely or basic burial with minimal costs. If you want an expensive casket, elaborate service, or expensive cemetery plot, those may exceed assistance amounts. You’d be responsible for the difference. Discuss costs with the funeral home before selecting services; they can help you understand what assistance covers.
What if I’m undocumented? Can I still access burial assistance?
Direct answer: Immigration status typically doesn’t prevent burial assistance, as most programs focus on residency, not citizenship.
Most burial assistance programs care about where you live (county residency), not immigration status. County burial assistance, Medicaid, and nonprofit help are generally available regardless of documentation. Contacting county social services is safe—they’re required to maintain confidentiality, and their focus is on disposing of the deceased, not immigration enforcement.
If someone dies without family, what happens?
Direct answer: County coroner/coroner’s office arranges cremation at county expense and maintains ashes.
If someone dies and no family can be located, the county/state takes responsibility. The coroner typically arranges cremation, maintains remains for a period (allowing time for family to come forward), then disposes of ashes if no one claims them. This is sometimes called “indigent cremation.” It’s not glamorous, but it’s dignified and ensures no one goes unburied.
Can I get a refund if I overpay for burial assistance?
Direct answer: Generally, no, but unused funeral funds sometimes go to heirs.
If burial assistance covers $2,000 but you spend only $1,500, the $500 is not refunded to you. However, if private funds or insurance covers the burial, unused Medicaid or assistance money stays with the estate. Contact the administrator to understand how unused funds are handled in your specific situation.
Where can I find the contact information for my county’s burial assistance program?
Direct answer: Call your county Social Services department, county coroner’s office, or search online.
Start with “[Your County] Social Services” or “[Your County] Coroner’s Office” and ask about burial assistance. Hospital social workers, funeral homes, and local nonprofits can also direct you. Most programs are listed on county government websites or maintain crisis hotlines that families can call 24/7.
Need Help Finding Resources?
If you’re facing a funeral without funds, start with your county Social Services or coroner’s office. Resources exist—social workers help families navigate these situations daily.
Call Your County Social Services or Coroner’s Office
Available 24/7 to help with burial assistance applications, Medicaid funeral coverage, and funeral planning during crisis situations.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and reflects burial assistance programs as of 2025. Programs, income limits, assistance amounts, and application processes change frequently and vary significantly by state and county. Contact your specific county Social Services department or coroner’s office for current, accurate information about programs available in your location. All states maintain some form of burial assistance; no one should remain unburied due to financial inability to pay.
