Funeral expenses can be overwhelming, but several resources in Minnesota can help families manage the cost. This guide provides information on state, federal, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as tribal and religious support options.
Government Funeral Funding Programs
Here are funeral cost assistance programs at the federal, state, and county levels.
Minnesota State Programs
Minnesota provides state-level programs to assist low-income families with funeral costs:
- Minnesota Medicaid: Medicaid may offer limited funeral expense coverage for recipients of long-term care benefits. Visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services for more details.
- Indigent Burial Assistance: Counties in Minnesota manage programs to cover basic burial or cremation costs for indigent or unclaimed individuals. Learn more about county-level funeral assistance.
Federal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to Minnesota residents include:
- Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time $255 payment is available to eligible survivors. Visit the Social Security Administration for more information.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits: Veterans and their families may qualify for burial allowances and related benefits. Learn more at VA Burial Benefits.
Local and County Assistance Programs
Local governments and organizations in Minnesota provide additional support:
- Hennepin County Burial Assistance: Offers help for low-income families needing assistance with funeral costs. Visit Hennepin County Human Services for more information.
- Ramsey County Funeral Assistance: Provides crisis funding for funeral expenses through social services. Visit Ramsey County Services for details.
- Minnesota Community Action Partnership: Offers emergency expense aid that may include funeral costs to families in need. Learn more at MinnCAP.
Learn more about county-level funeral assistance.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofits support Minnesota families with funeral costs by providing financial aid or advocating for affordable options:
- Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Offers emergency financial aid, including funeral cost assistance. Visit Catholic Charities Minnesota.
- United Way of Minnesota: Connects families with local resources for funeral expenses. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Minnesota.
- Salvation Army North Division: Provides emergency financial assistance for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army Minnesota.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Tribal Assistance Programs
Minnesota is home to several federally recognized tribes, and Native Americans living in the state can access tribally administered programs designed to assist with funeral expenses.
- Minnesota Indian Affairs Council: Offers support for Native Americans, including funeral-related aid through their respective tribal offices. Visit Minnesota Indian Affairs Council for more information.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural groups in Minnesota may provide financial assistance to their members. Examples include:
- Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Catholic churches in the Archdiocese may offer emergency aid for funeral expenses. Visit Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
- Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Visit Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis.
- Search for a Local Church: Catholic, Protestant: Use online directories to locate nearby churches that may provide funeral assistance. Visit Catholic Directory or The Gospel Coalition.
Crowdfunding Options
Crowdfunding platforms can help raise funds for funeral expenses. Options include:
- GoFundMe: Create a funeral fundraiser and share it with your community. Start at GoFundMe.
- FundRazr: Another platform for personal fundraising campaigns. Learn more at FundRazr.
Resources Table: Funeral Assistance in Minnesota
Here is a summary table of resources for funeral funding assistance in Minnesota.
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota DHS Burial Assistance | Up to $3,500 for burial costs | Low-income individuals | Visit Minnesota DHS |
| County Burial Assistance Programs | Burial or cremation cost support | County-determined | Visit How to help funeral expenses help at the county level |
| 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 St. Paul and Minneapolis | Emergency financial aid | Varies by program | Visit Catholic Charities Minnesota |
| Salvation Army Northern Division | Emergency funeral cost assistance | Families in crisis | Visit Salvation Army Minnesota |
| United Way Minnesota | Connects families with resources | Open to all | Visit United Way Minnesota |
| Hennepin County Burial Assistance | Burial or cremation cost support | Low-income residents | Visit Hennepin County Social Services |
| Ramsey County Funeral Assistance | Funeral expense support | Low-income families | Visit Ramsey County Social Services |
| St. Louis County Burial and Cremation Assistance | Basic funeral expenses | Low-income residents | Visit St. Louis County Social Services |
| Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis | Emergency aid for funeral costs | Members of Catholic parishes | Visit Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis |
| Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis | Funeral cost support | Jewish families in need | Visit JFCS Minneapolis |
| Catholic Directory | Locate nearby Catholic churches | Open to all | Visit Catholic Directory |
| The Gospel Coalition | Locate nearby Protestant churches | Open to all | Visit The Gospel Coalition |
| GoFundMe | Crowdfunding for funeral expenses | Open to all | Visit GoFundMe |
| FundRazr | Crowdfunding for funeral expenses | Open to all | Visit FundRazr |
For more information, see Help with Funeral Costs State by State.
