Funeral expenses can place a financial strain on families, but Rhode Island offers various resources to help manage these costs. This guide outlines state, federal, and local assistance programs, nonprofit resources, veterans’ benefits, religious and cultural organizations, and crowdfunding options available to Rhode Island residents.
Government Funeral Funding Programs
Here are government programs that can assist with funeral expenses at the state, federal, and local levels.
Rhode Island State Programs
Rhode Island General Assistance Burial Program: Financial assistance may be available through municipal offices for burial or cremation of indigent individuals or unclaimed remains. Contact your local city or town office for details.
Medicaid Burial Assistance: Funeral cost assistance may be available for Medicaid recipients. Contact your local Department of Human Services office or visit the Rhode Island DHS website for more information.
Federal Assistance Programs
Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time $255 payment is available to eligible survivors of deceased Social Security beneficiaries. Learn more at the Social Security Administration website.
FEMA Funeral Assistance: Provides financial aid for funeral costs resulting from federally declared natural disasters. Visit the FEMA website for eligibility details.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits: Eligible veterans and their families can receive burial allowances, cemetery plot coverage, and funeral expense reimbursements. Visit VA Burial Benefits for more information.
Veterans Funeral Assistance
Veterans and their families in Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery: Located in Exeter, this cemetery provides burial services for eligible veterans and their families, often at no cost. Visit the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery for more information.
For additional details, see Help to Pay for U.S. Veterans’ Funerals.
Local and County Assistance Programs
Municipalities in Rhode Island may offer additional assistance with funeral expenses.
Providence Burial Assistance Program: Provides financial aid for funeral expenses for indigent residents. Contact the Providence Department of Human Services for more information.
Pawtucket General Assistance: Offers burial or cremation assistance for low-income residents. Contact Pawtucket City Hall for details.
Cranston Indigent Burial Program: Covers basic burial costs for qualifying individuals. Contact Cranston Human Services for assistance.
Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island provide support for funeral expenses.
Catholic Charities of Rhode Island: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities RI.
Salvation Army Rhode Island: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army RI.
United Way of Rhode Island: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way RI.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural organizations in Rhode Island may offer funeral assistance.
Diocese of Providence: Catholic parishes may provide financial aid for funeral costs. Visit the Diocese of Providence website for more details.
Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Learn more at Jewish Alliance RI.
Local Churches and Religious Organizations: Many churches, mosques, and synagogues provide funeral-related assistance. Use online directories such as the Catholic Directory or The Gospel Coalition to locate nearby resources.
See also:
- Christian charities that can help with funeral costs
- Jewish charities that can help with funeral costs
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 Rhode Island
| Program/Organization | Eligibility Requirements | Contact Information | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| RI General Assistance Burial Program | Indigent individuals, unclaimed remains | Contact local municipal office | RI DHS Website |
| Social Security Death Benefit | Survivors of Social Security recipients | SSA Office | SSA Website |
| VA Burial Benefits | Veterans and eligible family members | VA Regional Office | VA Benefits |
| Providence Burial Assistance Program | Low-income residents of Providence | Providence Department of Human Services | Providence DHS |
| Catholic Charities of Rhode Island | Emergency financial aid, low-income | Contact Catholic Charities RI | Catholic Charities RI |
| United Way of Rhode Island | Local resources for funeral expenses | Dial 2-1-1 or visit website | United Way RI |
See also: Funeral Expense Help by State
