Funeral costs in Arkansas can be challenging for families, but various programs, organizations, and charities offer assistance to help cover these expenses. This guide provides an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Arkansas, along with a table of resources to assist families in locating 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 Arkansas.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Arkansas Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Arkansas Medicaid may offer limited assistance to help with funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid is primarily used for healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under specific conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Arkansas 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. Arkansas also has a state veterans’ cemetery where eligible veterans can receive burial services at reduced or no cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Several counties in Arkansas provide indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs offer financial support for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria for assistance.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact your local county government for details.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds to cover funeral expenses by soliciting donations from friends, family, and the community. These platforms 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 Arkansas offer funeral assistance, particularly for families facing sudden or unexpected loss. These organizations provide financial assistance for burial or cremation costs to families in financial hardship.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
For those who lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA offers financial reimbursement for funeral expenses. This 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 Arkansas
Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Arkansas. These organizations often focus on families facing the loss of a child, veterans, or those with financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to help 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 organization assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. They provide financial support to ensure every child has a dignified burial.
- 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 and operates across the U.S., including Arkansas.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing temporary financial hardship, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on helping those who do not qualify for traditional welfare programs.
- Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
- Link: Modest Needs
The American Legion
The American Legion offers financial support for veterans and their families to help cover funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Arkansas may qualify for burial in the state veterans’ cemetery, which provides reduced-cost or free burial 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 funeral costs through cost-saving guidance.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Arkansas provide funeral assistance to members or the community. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise funds for families who cannot afford burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Arkansas
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Arkansas Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Arkansas 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 |
