Funeral expenses can be challenging, but Massachusetts offers various resources to help families cover these costs. This guide outlines state, federal, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as support for veterans, religious and cultural assistance, and crowdfunding options.
Government Funeral Funding Programs
Here are funeral cost assistance programs at the federal, state, and county levels.
Massachusetts State Programs
Massachusetts provides state-level programs to assist families with funeral expenses:
- Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Funeral and Burial Payment Assistance: Provides up to $1,100 to assist with funeral and burial costs for qualifying low-income families. The total cost of the funeral cannot exceed $3,500. Visit Massachusetts DTA Funeral Assistance for more details.
- County Burial Assistance Programs: Some counties in Massachusetts provide financial aid for burial or cremation expenses for unclaimed or indigent individuals. Contact your local county office or visit How to help funeral expenses help at the county level for more information.
Federal Assistance Programs
Federal programs that assist Massachusetts residents include:
- Social Security Death Benefit: Provides a one-time $255 payment to eligible survivors of deceased Social Security beneficiaries. Visit Social Security Administration for more information.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits: Eligible veterans and their families may qualify for burial allowances, cemetery plot coverage, and funeral expense reimbursement. Learn more at VA Burial Benefits.
Veterans Funeral Assistance
Veterans and their families have access to specialized funeral benefits. These include:
- VA Burial Benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides allowances for burial costs, interment in a national cemetery, and headstone or marker coverage. Visit VA Burial Benefits for more details.
- Additional Support for Veterans: For a comprehensive guide to veteran-specific funeral programs, see Help to Pay for U.S. Veterans’ Funerals.
Local and County Assistance Programs
Local governments in Massachusetts provide additional support for funeral costs. Examples include:
- Boston Public Health Commission Burial Assistance: Offers financial aid for unclaimed or low-income individuals. Learn more at Boston Public Health Commission.
- Worcester County Funeral Assistance: Provides burial and cremation aid for families in need. Visit Worcester County Resources.
- Essex County Burial Support: Helps families manage funeral costs for indigent residents. Visit Essex County Services.
Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts provide support for funeral expenses:
- Catholic Charities of Boston: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities Boston.
- Salvation Army Massachusetts: Provides emergency financial assistance for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army Massachusetts.
- United Way of Massachusetts Bay: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Massachusetts.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural organizations in Massachusetts often provide funeral support. Examples include:
- Archdiocese of Boston: Catholic parishes may offer financial assistance for funeral expenses. Visit Archdiocese of Boston.
- Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Boston: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Learn more at JFCS Boston.
- Search for a Local Church: Catholic, Protestant: Use online directories to find nearby churches offering assistance. Visit Catholic Directory or The Gospel Coalition.
Crowdfunding Options
Crowdfunding platforms allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses through their community. Popular options include:
- GoFundMe: Create a funeral fundraiser and share it with friends and family. Visit GoFundMe.
- FundRazr: Another effective platform for personal fundraising campaigns. Visit FundRazr.
Resources Table: Funeral Assistance in Massachusetts
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts DTA Funeral and Burial Assistance | Up to $1,100 for funeral costs | Low-income families | Visit DTA Funeral Assistance |
| County Burial Assistance Programs | Burial or cremation cost support | County-determined | Visit How to help funeral expenses help at the county level |
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time $255 payment | Eligible survivors | Visit SSA |
| VA Burial Benefits | Funeral and burial cost coverage | Veterans and their families | Visit VA Burial Benefits |
| Catholic Charities of Boston | Financial aid for funeral costs | Low-income families | Visit Catholic Charities Boston |
| Salvation Army Massachusetts | Emergency funeral cost assistance | Families in crisis | Visit Salvation Army Massachusetts |
| United Way of Massachusetts Bay | Connects families with resources | Open to all | Visit United Way Massachusetts |
| Boston Public Health Commission | Burial assistance for indigent cases | Indigent residents | Visit Boston Public Health Commission |
| Worcester County Funeral Assistance | Funeral expense support | Low-income families | Visit Worcester County Resources |
| Essex County Burial Support | Burial or cremation cost support | Indigent residents | Visit Essex County Services |
| Archdiocese of Boston | Emergency aid for funeral costs | Members of Catholic parishes | Visit Archdiocese of Boston |
| JFCS of Greater Boston | Funeral cost support | Jewish families in need | Visit JFCS Boston |
| Catholic Directory | Locate nearby Catholic churches | Open to all | Visit Catholic Directory |
| The Gospel Coalition | Locate nearby Protestant churches | Open to all | Visit The Gospel Coalition |
| GoFundMe | Crowdfunding for funeral expenses | Open to all | Visit GoFundMe |
| FundRazr | Crowdfunding for funeral expenses | Open to all | Visit FundRazr |
For more information, see Help with Funeral Costs State by State.
