Funeral costs can place a significant financial strain on families, but there are resources in Kansas to help ease the burden. This guide outlines state, federal, local, and charitable assistance options available to residents, as well as support from religious and cultural organizations.
Government Funeral Assistance Programs
Here are resources for federal, state and municipal funeral costs assistance programs.
Federal Assistance Programs
In addition to state programs, federal resources can also help alleviate funeral costs. These programs are available nationwide but are also applicable in Kansas:
- Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time $255 death benefit is available to eligible survivors. For details, visit the Social Security Administration.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits: Families of veterans may qualify for burial allowances, cemetery plot benefits, and more. Learn more at VA Burial Benefits.
Kansas State Programs
Kansas offers support for families who are struggling to cover funeral expenses. Here are some state-specific programs:
- Kansas Medicaid: Medicaid may help cover funeral costs under certain circumstances, such as for recipients who passed away while receiving long-term care benefits. To learn more, visit Kansas Medicaid.
- Indigent Burial Program: Counties in Kansas provide assistance for unclaimed or indigent individuals. Eligibility and application details vary by county. Check with your local county office for specific requirements.
City and County-Level Resources
Kansas counties and cities often offer additional support. Below are examples of resources available in specific areas:
- Wichita County Funeral Assistance: Contact Wichita County offices for information on local burial assistance programs for indigent individuals.
- Kansas City Emergency Aid Program: The Kansas City government provides crisis funding that may help with funeral costs. Visit Kansas City Resources for more information.
- Topeka Funeral Assistance: Low-income families in Topeka can inquire about available programs through local social services. Learn more at Topeka Assistance Programs.
Nonprofit Funeral Support Organizations
Several nonprofits provide funeral-related support to Kansas residents, including those that specialize in emergency financial aid:
- Catholic Charities of Kansas: This organization helps with emergency expenses, including funeral costs, for qualifying families. Visit Catholic Charities Kansas.
- United Way of Kansas: Provides connections to local resources for financial aid, including funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Kansas.
- Salvation Army of Kansas: Offers limited financial support to families in crisis. Learn more at Salvation Army Kansas.
Charitable Organizations
National charities that operate in Kansas can also provide support:
- Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA): Educates families on affordable funeral options and advocates for consumer rights. Find your local chapter at FCA.
- Modest Needs Foundation: Offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in need. Apply at Modest Needs.
- See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Native American Tribes in Kansas
Kansas is home to several federally recognized Native American tribes, many of which offer funeral assistance programs for their members. These programs are often designed to preserve cultural traditions while supporting families in times of loss. Below are examples of tribal resources and services available in Kansas:
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation provides assistance to its members, including help with funeral and burial expenses. Tribal support may include financial aid for traditional ceremonies or arrangements that align with cultural practices.
- Services Offered: Funeral assistance, cultural guidance for traditional ceremonies.
- Eligibility: Enrolled members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
- How to Apply: Contact the tribal office at Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas
The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas offers support through its health and social services programs. Funeral assistance may be provided for tribal members who need financial aid to cover burial or cremation costs.
- Services Offered: Emergency financial aid for funeral costs, cultural support for traditional ceremonies.
- Eligibility: Enrolled members of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas.
- How to Apply: Reach out to the tribal social services office via Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas.
Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska may offer burial assistance through its tribal office. Members can receive guidance and financial aid for funeral expenses that align with cultural traditions.
- Services Offered: Burial assistance, cultural resources for funeral planning.
- Eligibility: Enrolled members of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.
- How to Apply: Visit the tribal office or Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska
The Sac and Fox Nation provides funeral assistance to tribal members through its social services programs. Families may also receive support for ceremonies that adhere to tribal customs.
- Services Offered: Financial aid for funeral costs, support for traditional ceremonies.
- Eligibility: Enrolled members of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska.
- How to Apply: Contact the tribal headquarters at Sac and Fox Nation.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural groups often provide funeral support to their members. Kansas has a rich diversity of faith-based organizations that may offer assistance. Consider contacting:
- Local Catholic parishes or dioceses for emergency assistance through their charitable arms. Check with your local church.
- Jewish communities in Kansas, which often provide burial societies (Chevra Kadisha) to assist with funeral expenses.
- Protestant churches, which may have benevolent funds to help congregants in financial need. Check with your local church.
Crowdfunding Options
Crowdfunding platforms allow families to raise money for funeral expenses with support from their community. Popular platforms include:
- GoFundMe: Families can create a campaign and share it widely to gather financial support. Start a fundraiser at GoFundMe.
- FundRazr: Another platform for personal fundraising campaigns. Learn more at FundRazr.
Comparison Table: Funeral Assistance in Kansas
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Medicaid | Limited funeral coverage | Medicaid beneficiaries | Apply via Kansas Medicaid |
| Indigent Burial Program | Funeral costs for indigent cases | County-determined | Contact your local county office |
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time $255 payment | Eligible survivors | Visit SSA |
| VA Burial Benefits | Veterans’ burial support | Veterans and their families | Visit VA Burial Benefits |
| Catholic Charities of Kansas | Emergency financial aid | Varies by program | Visit Catholic Charities Kansas |
| Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) | Advocacy for affordable funerals | Open to all | Visit FCA |
