Funeral expenses in Maine can place a significant financial burden on families, but there are several programs, organizations, and charities that offer assistance. This guide outlines who can help pay for a funeral in Maine, along with a table of resources to support families in need of 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 Maine.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Maine Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) may offer limited assistance to help with funeral and burial costs. Although Medicaid primarily covers healthcare, some funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under certain conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in MaineCare.
- Link: MaineCare
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. Maine also has veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans may receive reduced-cost or free burial services.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
State and County Burial Assistance Programs
Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and some county programs may offer burial assistance for low-income residents who meet specific financial criteria. These programs help provide financial support for indigent burials.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no resources to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact Maine DHHS or your local county government for more information.
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 provide financial relief for unexpected funeral expenses.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
There are non-profit organizations in Maine that provide assistance for funeral expenses, particularly for families facing sudden loss or financial hardship. These groups may help with burial or cremation costs.
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 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 Maine
Several non-profit organizations offer financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Maine. These organizations often focus on helping families dealing with the loss of a child, veterans, or those facing 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.
- Eligibility: Families needing assistance with child burial costs.
- Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
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 Maine.
- 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 Maine may qualify for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries.
- 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 costs by providing guidance on affordable funeral services.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing assistance with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Maine 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 Maine
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in MaineCare | MaineCare |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| State/County Burial Assistance Programs | Burial assistance for low-income residents | Low-income individuals meeting specific criteria | Contact Maine DHHS or 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 Maine access financial assistance for funeral expenses, ensuring that loved ones receive dignified services despite financial challenges.
