Funeral costs in Hawaii can be a significant burden, but various programs, organizations, and charities provide assistance to help families cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Hawaii Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Hawaii’s Medicaid program may offer limited support for funeral and burial costs. Medicaid generally covers healthcare, but certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for assistance under specific conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Hawaii Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their dependents may qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, funeral honors, and burial plots in national veterans’ cemeteries. Hawaii has a state veterans’ cemetery where eligible veterans may be buried at no or reduced cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Some counties in Hawaii offer indigent burial or cremation programs to assist those unable to afford funeral expenses. These programs provide financial support for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility requirements.
- 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 provide financial relief for unexpected funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Hawaii provide funeral assistance to families in need, especially in cases of sudden death or financial hardship. These groups help cover burial or cremation costs for families who qualify for support.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
Families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. The program covers funeral expenses 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 Hawaii
Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Hawaii. These groups often focus on families dealing with the loss of a child, veterans, or low-income families facing financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to cover funeral costs for children. The organization helps low-income families provide a dignified burial or cremation for their children.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance with child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. The organization ensures that every child has a dignified burial, regardless of the family’s financial situation.
- Eligibility: Families needing assistance for 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 Hawaii.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to families and individuals facing temporary financial hardship, including funeral expenses. The organization helps those who may not qualify for traditional welfare programs.
- Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
- Link: Modest Needs
The American Legion
The American Legion provides funeral assistance for veterans and their families, helping with funeral and burial costs. Veterans in Hawaii may qualify for burial in the state veterans’ cemetery, which offers low-cost or free options.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides information and resources for affordable funeral planning. While they do not offer direct financial assistance, they help families reduce costs by offering advice on affordable funeral services.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing assistance with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Hawaii provide funeral assistance to members or the local community. Some offer free or reduced-cost funeral services, while others raise funds for families who cannot afford burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Hawaii
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Hawaii Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Hawaii 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 |
