Covering the costs of a child’s funeral can place a significant financial burden on families during a heartbreaking time. Thankfully, Canada offers a variety of national, provincial, and local programs that can help. Here’s a comprehensive guide to resources available across the country. (for the U.S., see this post)
National Resources
These organizations provide support for child and infant funeral expenses across Canada.
- The Tears Foundation (Canada Chapter)
Provides financial assistance for infant and child funerals across several provinces in Canada. The foundation prioritizes support for families experiencing financial hardship. - Children’s Burial Assistance
Assists families across North America by partnering with funeral homes and cemeteries to offer reduced-cost or free burial services for children. - Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit
Offers a one-time payment of up to $2,500 for the death of a CPP contributor, which can be applied to funeral costs. This benefit is available to the deceased’s estate and applies if the deceased child (teenager that worked) was a CPP contributor. - Crowdfunding Platforms
Canadian families can turn to platforms like GoFundMe, where friends, family, and community members can contribute to funeral expenses. - Service Canada
Offers general information on financial assistance options available after a death, including guidance on bereavement benefits and other possible aid programs.
Provincial Resources and Organizations
In addition to national programs, several provinces offer specific resources to help families cover funeral expenses for children.
Ontario
- Ontario Works Funerals and Burials Program
Provides financial assistance for funeral costs for low-income families. Families can apply for support through their local Ontario Works office. - SIDS and Kids Ontario
Offers limited financial assistance to families who have lost an infant to sudden infant death syndrome.
British Columbia
- Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Offers burial assistance for families in financial need. Contact a local office to inquire about the program and eligibility requirements. - B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation
While not a direct funeral assistance provider, the foundation offers support programs for families dealing with child loss.
Alberta
- Alberta Supports
Provides emergency funeral funding for low-income families, including child funerals. Families can apply through their local Alberta Supports office. - The Little Souls Foundation
Offers support to families experiencing the loss of a young child and may provide financial aid in certain cases.
Quebec
- Retraite Québec – Death Benefit
Offers a small death benefit for families with financial hardship to help cover funeral costs. - Fondation Marie-Ève Saulnier
Provides assistance to families who have lost a child, offering some support for funeral expenses.
Nova Scotia
- Department of Community Services
Provides financial support for funeral costs for low-income families, including assistance for child funerals. - IWK Health Centre Foundation
Although not a funeral assistance provider, the foundation supports families of children undergoing medical care and can help connect families with bereavement resources.
Manitoba
- Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) Program
Offers funeral assistance for low-income families, including child funeral costs. Applications can be made through local EIA offices. - The Compassionate Friends Manitoba Chapter
Provides emotional and financial support to families who have lost a child in Manitoba.
Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Social Services
Offers financial aid for funeral expenses for families experiencing financial hardship. Contact your local social services office for more information. - Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan
Provides bereavement support and referrals for families dealing with child loss, with some assistance available for those in financial distress.
New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Social Development
Provides assistance for funeral costs to families in need, including for children. Applications are accepted at local offices. - The Compassionate Friends New Brunswick Chapter
Offers support for families in New Brunswick who have lost a child, with both emotional and financial resources available.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Income Support Program
Offers assistance with funeral expenses for low-income families, including coverage for child burials. - Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation
Provides support and referrals for families experiencing child loss, with financial aid in specific cases.
Prince Edward Island
- PEI Department of Social Development and Housing
Offers support for funeral costs for low-income families. Families can apply through the Department of Social Development. - The Children’s Wish Foundation PEI
Provides support to families with children who are terminally ill, offering some bereavement resources and assistance.
Yukon
- Yukon Health and Social Services
Provides assistance for funeral expenses for low-income families, including child funerals. - Help and Hope for Families
Provides support and resources for Yukon families who have lost a child, offering guidance on local financial assistance options.
Nunavut
- Nunavut Department of Family Services
Provides financial assistance to low-income families for funeral expenses. Applications are accepted at local Family Services offices, and eligibility requirements apply. - Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI)
NTI offers support programs for Inuit families, including bereavement support and, in certain cases, help with funeral costs. Contact NTI for more information on available assistance and eligibility.
Northwest Territories
- Northwest Territories Income Assistance Program
Offers support for low-income families needing help with funeral expenses, including for child burials. Applications are accepted through local offices, with eligibility requirements based on income. - Health and Social Services Authority
Provides support and connections to bereavement resources and assistance programs for families in need. Contact your local Health and Social Services office for guidance.
Additional Guidance and Local Resource
In addition to these resources, families are encouraged to contact their local social services office or health departments, as these offices may have specific emergency funds or connections to community organizations that can help with funeral expenses. Many community groups, religious organizations, and local charities also offer support for families in times of loss, often providing financial help or connecting families with affordable options.
For additional support in Canadian territories, be sure to contact local community councils and Indigenous organizations, as these groups may provide emergency assistance or referrals to programs tailored to meet family needs during bereavement.
Lastly, speaking directly with funeral homes can reveal additional options. Many funeral homes offer reduced rates or flexible payment plans specifically for children’s funerals, understanding the unique emotional and financial challenges families face during such a time.
