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Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in New York state

Funeral expenses in New York can be considerable, but there are various programs, organizations, and charities that offer assistance. This guide outlines who can help pay for a funeral in New York, including a table of resources to help families navigate financial aid.

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 in New York.

New York Medicaid Funeral Assistance

For low-income individuals, New York’s Medicaid program may offer some assistance with funeral and burial costs. Although Medicaid is primarily focused on healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under specific conditions.

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. New York has veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans may be buried at reduced or no cost.

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

New York State Burial Assistance Programs

New York offers assistance for indigent burials through local social services. These programs provide financial aid for individuals who cannot afford funeral costs and meet specific income and asset criteria.

  • Eligibility: Low-income individuals meeting state and county requirements.
  • Link: Contact your local social services department for more details.

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by soliciting donations from friends, family, and the community. These platforms can help cover unexpected funeral costs.

Non-Profit Organizations

There are non-profit organizations in New York that offer assistance for funeral expenses, particularly for families facing sudden loss or financial hardship. These groups may help cover burial or cremation costs.

State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths

For families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA offers reimbursement for funeral expenses. This program covers costs for deaths attributed to COVID-19 that occurred after January 20, 2020.

Charities and Non-Profits That Help Pay for Funerals in New York

Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance for funeral costs to families in New York. These groups often focus on helping families dealing with 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 supports 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 organization helps families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. It provides financial support to ensure every child receives 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 New York.

  • 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 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 funeral assistance for veterans and their families to help cover funeral and burial costs. Veterans in New York 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 guidance on affordable funeral services.

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

Many churches and religious organizations in New York provide funeral assistance to their members or the local community. Some offer free or reduced-cost funeral services, while others help raise funds for families in need.

Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in New York

ResourceType of AssistanceEligibilityLink
Social Security Death BenefitOne-time payment of $255Surviving spouse or children of deceasedSocial Security Administration
New York Medicaid Funeral AssistanceLimited funeral coverageDeceased was enrolled in MedicaidNew York State Medicaid
VA Burial BenefitsBurial and funeral expenses for veteransEligible veterans and dependentsVA Benefits
New York State Burial AssistanceAid for low-income residentsLow-income individuals meeting state/county criteriaContact local social services department
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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