Funeral costs in Washington can be overwhelming, but there are several programs, organizations, and charities that provide financial assistance. This guide outlines who can help pay for a funeral in Washington state, along with a table of resources to support families in finding assistance.
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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 Washington.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Washington Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Washington state’s Medicaid program (Apple Health) may offer some support for funeral expenses. Medicaid is primarily a healthcare program, but some funeral-related costs may be covered under certain circumstances.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Washington Apple Health
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 burial plots in national veterans’ cemeteries. Washington state also has veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans may be buried at reduced costs or no cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Some counties in Washington provide indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs offer financial assistance for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria for financial 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 families cover unexpected funeral expenses.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Washington has several non-profit organizations that provide funeral assistance, especially in cases of unexpected or tragic death. These organizations may help cover burial or cremation costs for families in financial need.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
Families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. This program covers funeral costs for deaths attributed to COVID-19 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 Washington State
Several non-profit organizations provide financial support to help cover funeral expenses for families in Washington. These organizations often focus on families who have lost a child, veterans, or low-income individuals.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation helps families cover funeral costs for children. The organization assists low-income families in giving their children a dignified burial or cremation.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance with child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. They ensure every child has a dignified burial, regardless of the family’s financial situation.
- Eligibility: Families needing assistance for child burial costs.
- Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
The TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation provides grants to cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. They also offer emotional support for grieving families and operate across the U.S., including Washington.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing temporary financial difficulties, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on 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 provides financial support for veterans and their families for funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Washington may also qualify for burial at the state veterans’ cemetery.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
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 by offering guidance on affordable services.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Washington provide funeral assistance to members or the community. Some may offer free or reduced-cost funeral services, while others assist families by raising funds to cover burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Washington State
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Washington Medicaid Funeral Assistance (Apple Health) | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Washington Apple Health |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| County Burial Assistance | Indigent burial or cremation | Low-income individuals with no family to cover costs | Contact local county government |
| 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 |
These resources can help families in Washington state access financial assistance to cover funeral expenses, ensuring that loved ones receive dignified services despite financial challenges.
