Funeral expenses can create financial stress for families, but Georgia offers a range of programs and resources to help manage these costs. This guide provides information on state, federal, and local assistance programs, nonprofit resources, veterans’ benefits, religious and cultural organizations, and crowdfunding options available in Georgia.
Government Funeral Funding Programs
Here are government programs that can assist with funeral expenses at the state, federal, and county levels.
Georgia State Programs
Georgia provides state-level resources to assist families with funeral costs:
- Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Burial Assistance: Financial aid is available for burial or cremation expenses for indigent individuals and unclaimed remains. Contact your local DHS office or visit the Georgia DHS website for more information.
- Medicaid Burial Assistance: Limited funeral cost assistance may be available for Medicaid recipients who meet eligibility requirements. Contact your local DHS office for more information.
Federal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to Georgia residents include:
- 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 due to 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 details.
Veterans Funeral Assistance
Veterans and their families in Georgia 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.
- Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: Georgia operates veterans cemeteries in Milledgeville and Glennville, providing burial services for eligible veterans and their families at reduced or no cost. Visit the Georgia Department of Veterans Service website for more information.
For additional resources, see Help to Pay for U.S. Veterans’ Funerals.
Local and County Assistance Programs
Counties and cities in Georgia may offer additional funeral cost assistance. Examples include:
- Fulton County Burial Assistance: Provides financial aid for burial or cremation expenses for indigent residents. Contact the Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services for details.
- DeKalb County Indigent Burial Program: Offers limited financial support for low-income residents. Contact the DeKalb County Human Services office for more information.
- Chatham County Funeral Assistance: Covers basic burial or cremation costs for qualifying residents. Contact Chatham County Social Services for assistance.
Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations in Georgia provide support for funeral expenses:
- Catholic Charities of Atlanta: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities Atlanta.
- United Way of Georgia: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Georgia.
- Salvation Army Georgia: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army Georgia.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural organizations in Georgia may offer funeral assistance. Examples include:
- Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta: Catholic parishes may provide financial aid for funeral costs. Visit the Archdiocese of Atlanta website for details.
- Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Learn more at Jewish Federation Atlanta.
- Local Churches and Religious Organizations: Many churches, synagogues, and mosques provide funeral-related assistance. Use online directories such as the Catholic Directory or The Gospel Coalition to locate nearby resources.
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 Georgia
Program/Organization | Eligibility Requirements | Contact Information | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Georgia DHS Burial Assistance | Indigent individuals, unclaimed remains | Contact local DHS office | Georgia 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 |
Fulton County Burial Assistance | Low-income residents of Fulton County | Fulton County Department of Family Services | Fulton County |
Catholic Charities of Atlanta | Emergency financial aid, low-income | Contact Catholic Charities Atlanta | Catholic Charities Atlanta |
United Way of Georgia | Local resources for funeral expenses | Dial 2-1-1 or visit website | United Way Georgia |
See also: Funeral Expense Help by State