Funeral costs in Mississippi can be a heavy burden for families, but various programs, organizations, and charities provide financial assistance to help cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Mississippi, along with a table of resources to guide families toward available financial support.
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 Mississippi.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Mississippi Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Mississippi’s Medicaid program may offer some assistance with funeral or burial costs. While Medicaid is primarily a healthcare program, certain services related to funeral costs may qualify for support under specific circumstances.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Mississippi Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their dependents may be entitled to burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. Mississippi also has veterans’ cemeteries offering burial services at reduced costs.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Many counties in Mississippi offer indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs provide financial assistance to help cover burial or cremation costs for those who qualify based on financial need.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact your local county government for more information.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by asking for donations from friends, family, and the community. These platforms can be effective in providing financial support for unexpected funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Mississippi provide funeral assistance, especially in cases of sudden or tragic death. These organizations help with burial or cremation costs for children, veterans, or low-income individuals facing financial challenges.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
For families who lost a loved one to COVID-19, FEMA offers reimbursement for funeral expenses. The program covers funeral costs 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 Mississippi
Several charitable organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Mississippi, particularly when children or veterans are involved, or when families are experiencing financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to cover funeral costs for children. The organization helps low-income families ensure their children receive a dignified burial or cremation.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance with child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity offers financial assistance to families who cannot afford burial expenses for a child. The organization ensures that every child receives a dignified burial, regardless of the family’s financial circumstances.
- Eligibility: Families in need of help 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 for grieving families and operates across the U.S., including Mississippi.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs provides short-term financial assistance to families and individuals facing financial hardship, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on helping those who do not qualify for traditional assistance programs.
- Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
- Link: Modest Needs
The American Legion
The American Legion offers financial assistance for veterans and their families for funeral and burial costs. Veterans in Mississippi may also qualify for burial at state veterans’ cemeteries, which offer low-cost or free burial services.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance offers guidance and resources for planning affordable funerals. While they do not provide direct financial assistance, they help families reduce costs by offering advice on more affordable funeral services and options.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing assistance with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Mississippi provide funeral assistance for their members or the broader community. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise donations to cover burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Mississippi
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Mississippi Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Mississippi Medicaid |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| County Burial Assistance | Indigent burial or cremation | Low-income individuals with no family to cover costs | Contact 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 |
