illinois

Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Illinois

Funeral costs in Illinois can be burdensome for families, but various programs, organizations, and charities offer assistance to help cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Illinois, along with a table of resources to guide families toward financial support.

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 Illinois.

Illinois Medicaid Funeral Assistance

For low-income individuals, Illinois Medicaid may offer limited assistance for funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid primarily focuses on healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under specific conditions.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Veterans and their dependents 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. Illinois also has state veterans’ cemeteries that offer reduced-cost or free burial services for eligible veterans.

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

Indigent Burial Programs

Some counties and municipalities in Illinois provide indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs are aimed at supporting low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria.

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

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by reaching out to friends, family, and the community. These platforms can provide financial relief for unexpected funeral expenses.

Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations in Illinois provide financial assistance for funeral expenses, especially in cases of sudden death or financial hardship. These groups often help cover burial or cremation costs for families in need.

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. This program reimburses funeral expenses for deaths attributed to COVID-19 after January 20, 2020.

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

Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Illinois. These organizations often 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. The organization helps low-income families 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 charity assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. The organization ensures that every child has a dignified burial, regardless of the family’s financial situation.

The TEARS Foundation

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

  • 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 hardship, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on helping those who may 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 funeral assistance for veterans and their families to help cover funeral and burial costs. Veterans in Illinois may qualify for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries.

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 costs by providing advice on affordable funeral services.

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

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

Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Illinois

ResourceType of AssistanceEligibilityLink
Social Security Death BenefitOne-time payment of $255Surviving spouse or children of deceasedSocial Security Administration
Illinois Medicaid Funeral AssistanceLimited funeral coverageDeceased was enrolled in MedicaidIllinois Medicaid
VA Burial BenefitsBurial and funeral expenses for veteransEligible veterans and dependentsVA Benefits
Indigent Burial ProgramsBurial or cremation assistanceLow-income individuals with no family to cover costsContact local county or municipal 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
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