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Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Arizona?

Funeral costs in Arizona can be overwhelming for families, but various programs, organizations, and charities offer assistance to help cover these expenses. This guide provides an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Arizona, along with a table of resources to direct 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 Arizona.

Arizona Medicaid Funeral Assistance

For low-income individuals, Arizona’s Medicaid program (AHCCCS) may offer some assistance with funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid typically covers healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support in specific situations.

  • Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
  • Link: Arizona AHCCCS

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Veterans and their families may qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers burial allowances, funeral honors, and burial plots in national veterans’ cemeteries. Arizona also has a state veterans’ cemetery where eligible veterans may be buried at a reduced cost or no cost.

  • Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their dependents.
  • Link: VA Benefits

County Burial Programs

Some counties in Arizona provide indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals unable to afford funeral expenses. These programs are available to residents who meet the county’s financial eligibility requirements for low-income assistance.

  • Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
  • Link: Contact your local county government for assistance.

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds to cover funeral costs by reaching out to friends, family, and the community. These platforms can help provide financial relief in cases of unexpected funeral expenses.

Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations in Arizona offer funeral assistance, especially for families facing sudden loss or financial hardship. These groups often help with burial or cremation expenses for children, veterans, and low-income individuals.

State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths

Families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19 may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. The program reimburses funeral expenses for deaths attributed to COVID-19 that occurred after January 20, 2020.

Charities and Non-Profits That Help Pay for Funerals in Arizona

Several charitable organizations offer financial assistance to help families in Arizona cover funeral expenses. Many of these groups focus on families facing the loss of a child, veterans, or those experiencing financial hardship.

The Final Farewell Foundation

This foundation provides financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for children, allowing low-income families to provide a dignified burial or cremation for their children.

  • Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance with child funeral expenses.
  • Link: Final Farewell

Children’s Burial Assistance

This organization assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. They provide financial support to ensure every child has a dignified burial.

The TEARS Foundation

The TEARS Foundation offers grants to help families cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. The foundation also provides emotional support and operates across the U.S., including Arizona.

  • Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
  • Link: TEARS Foundation

Modest Needs

Modest Needs offers 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 for veterans and their families to help cover funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Arizona may qualify for burial in the state veterans’ cemetery, which provides reduced-cost or free burial options.

Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides information and resources for affordable funeral planning. While they do not offer direct financial assistance, they help families reduce funeral costs through cost-saving guidance.

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

Many churches and religious organizations in Arizona provide funeral assistance to members or the community. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise funds for families who cannot afford burial expenses.

Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Arizona

ResourceType of AssistanceEligibilityLink
Social Security Death BenefitOne-time payment of $255Surviving spouse or children of deceasedSocial Security Administration
Arizona Medicaid Funeral Assistance (AHCCCS)Limited funeral coverageDeceased was enrolled in MedicaidArizona AHCCCS
VA Burial BenefitsBurial and funeral expenses for veteransEligible veterans and dependentsVA Benefits
County Burial AssistanceIndigent burial or cremationLow-income individuals with no family to cover costsContact local county government
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral AssistanceReimbursement for COVID-19 funeral costsDeath attributed to COVID-19 after Jan. 20, 2020FEMA Funeral Assistance
GoFundMeCrowdfunding for funeral expensesAnyoneGoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Final Farewell FoundationFuneral costs for childrenLow-income familiesFinal Farewell
Children’s Burial AssistanceChild burial assistanceFamilies in needChildren’s Burial Assistance
TEARS FoundationInfant funeral cost coverageParents of infantsTEARS Foundation
Modest NeedsGrants for funeral expensesShort-term financial hardshipModest Needs
American LegionFuneral assistance for veteransVeterans and familiesAmerican Legion
Funeral Consumers AllianceInformation on reducing funeral costsAll individualsFuneral Consumers Alliance

These resources can help families in Arizona access financial assistance for funeral expenses, ensuring that loved ones receive dignified services despite financial hardship.

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