Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Oregon

Funeral expenses can pose financial challenges for many families, but Oregon offers several resources to help alleviate these costs. This guide outlines state, federal, and local assistance programs, nonprofit resources, veterans’ benefits, religious and cultural organizations, and crowdfunding options available to Oregon residents.

Government Funeral Funding Programs

Here are some government programs available to help with funeral costs at the federal, state, and county levels.

Oregon State Programs

Oregon provides state-level resources to assist families with funeral costs:

• Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Burial Assistance: Offers assistance for burial or cremation expenses for indigent individuals or unclaimed remains. Contact your local ODHS office or visit the ODHS website for details.
• Medicaid Burial Assistance: Funeral cost assistance may be available for Medicaid recipients who meet eligibility criteria. Contact your local ODHS office to learn more.

Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to Oregon residents include:

• Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time $255 payment is available to eligible survivors of deceased Social Security beneficiaries. Visit the Social Security Administration website for details.
• FEMA Funeral Assistance: Provides financial aid for funeral costs resulting from federally declared natural disasters. Learn more at the FEMA website.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits: Eligible veterans and their families can receive burial allowances, cemetery plot coverage, and reimbursement for funeral expenses. Visit VA Burial Benefits for more details.

Veterans Funeral Assistance

Veterans and their families in Oregon can access specialized funeral benefits:

• VA Burial Benefits: Covers burial costs, a government-provided headstone or marker, and interment in a national cemetery. Learn more at VA Burial Benefits.
• Willamette National Cemetery: Located in Portland, this cemetery provides burial services to eligible veterans and their families at no cost. Visit the Willamette National Cemetery website for more information.

For additional resources, see Help to Pay for U.S. Veterans’ Funerals.

Local and County Assistance Programs

Counties in Oregon may provide additional funeral cost assistance. Examples include:

• Multnomah County Indigent Burial Program: Offers financial aid for burial or cremation expenses for low-income residents. Contact Multnomah County Social Services for details.
• Lane County Burial Assistance: Assists with basic burial or cremation costs for qualifying individuals. Contact Lane County DHS for more information.
• Jackson County Funeral Assistance: Provides limited support for indigent burial expenses. Contact Jackson County Social Services for details.

Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.

Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs

Several nonprofit organizations in Oregon provide funeral cost assistance:

• Catholic Charities of Oregon: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral expenses to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities Oregon.
• United Way of Oregon: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Oregon.
• Salvation Army Oregon: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army Oregon.

See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.

Religious and Cultural Organizations

Religious and cultural organizations in Oregon may provide funeral support. Examples include:

• Catholic Archdiocese of Portland: Catholic parishes may provide financial assistance for funeral costs. Visit the Archdiocese of Portland website for details.
• Jewish Federation of Greater Portland: Offers funeral assistance for Jewish families in need. Learn more at Jewish Federation Portland.
• Local Churches and Organizations: Many churches, synagogues, and mosques provide funeral-related assistance. Use online directories like the Catholic Directory or The Gospel Coalition to locate nearby options.

Crowdfunding Options

Crowdfunding platforms can help families raise funds for funeral expenses. Consider these options:

• GoFundMe: Create a funeral fundraiser and share it with friends and family. Visit GoFundMe.
• FundRazr: Another effective platform for personal fundraising campaigns. Visit FundRazr.

Resource Table: Funeral Assistance in Oregon

See also: Funeral Expense Help by State