Funeral costs in Alaska can be challenging for families, but there are various programs, organizations, and charities that provide financial assistance to help cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Alaska, along with a table of resources to guide families toward available financial support.
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Social Security Benefits
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, their spouse or children may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255. This benefit is available nationwide, including Alaska.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Alaska Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals and families, Alaska Medicaid may offer limited assistance with funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid is primarily for healthcare, certain expenses related to funerals may qualify for support under specific conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Alaska Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their families may qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. While Alaska does not have a state-run veterans’ cemetery, eligible veterans may be entitled to other VA benefits.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
Alaska General Relief Assistance (GRA) Program
Alaska’s General Relief Assistance (GRA) program provides emergency financial aid to cover funeral expenses for low-income individuals. This program is intended for families who cannot afford burial costs and may offer some relief for funeral-related expenses.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals who meet the GRA requirements.
- Link: Alaska GRA Program
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe allow families to raise money for funeral expenses by reaching out to friends, family, and the community. These platforms can be effective for covering unexpected funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Alaska provide funeral assistance to families, especially in cases of sudden death or financial hardship. These groups may help cover burial or cremation expenses for families in need.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
Families who lost a loved one to COVID-19 may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. The program covers funeral expenses for deaths attributed to COVID-19 that occurred after January 20, 2020.
- Eligibility: Death attributed to COVID-19 after January 20, 2020.
- Link: FEMA Funeral Assistance
Charities and Non-Profits That Help Pay for Funerals in Alaska
Several non-profit organizations offer financial support to help families in Alaska cover funeral expenses. Many of these organizations focus on helping families facing the loss of a child, veterans, or those in financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for children. The foundation helps low-income families provide a dignified burial or cremation for their children.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing help with child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after the death of a child. They provide financial help to ensure every child has a dignified burial.
- Eligibility: Families needing assistance for child burial costs.
- Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
The TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation offers grants to cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. They also provide emotional support to families, operating across the U.S., including Alaska.
- Eligibility: Parents needing help with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs provides short-term financial assistance to families and individuals facing temporary financial hardship, including funeral expenses. The organization focuses on helping those who do not qualify for traditional welfare programs.
- Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
- Link: Modest Needs
The American Legion
The American Legion offers financial support to veterans and their families for funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Alaska may be eligible for funeral assistance and honors through this organization.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance offers guidance on planning affordable funerals. While they do not provide direct financial assistance, they help families save on funeral costs through resources and cost-saving strategies.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Alaska offer funeral assistance for their members or the local community. Some may provide free or reduced-cost services, while others may help raise donations for burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Alaska
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Alaska Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Alaska Medicaid |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| Alaska General Relief Assistance | Emergency aid for burial costs | Low-income individuals meeting GRA requirements | Alaska GRA Program |
| FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | Reimbursement for COVID-19 funeral costs | Death attributed to COVID-19 after Jan. 20, 2020 | FEMA Funeral Assistance |
| GoFundMe | Crowdfunding for funeral expenses | Anyone | GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising |
| Final Farewell Foundation | Funeral costs for children | Low-income families | Final Farewell |
| Children’s Burial Assistance | Child burial assistance | Families in need | Children’s Burial Assistance |
| TEARS Foundation | Infant funeral cost coverage | Parents of infants | TEARS Foundation |
| Modest Needs | Grants for funeral expenses | Short-term financial hardship | Modest Needs |
| American Legion | Funeral assistance for veterans | Veterans and families | American Legion |
| Funeral Consumers Alliance | Information on reducing funeral costs | All individuals | Funeral Consumers Alliance |
