Funeral expenses can pose a significant financial challenge, but New Mexico offers several resources to assist families. This guide outlines state, federal, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as support for veterans, religious and cultural organizations, and crowdfunding options.
Government Funeral Funding Programs
Here are funeral cost assistance programs at the federal, state, and county levels.
New Mexico State Programs
New Mexico provides state-level programs to assist families with funeral expenses:
- New Mexico General Assistance Burial Program: Offers financial assistance for burial or cremation costs for low-income families or unclaimed individuals. Contact your local Human Services Department office or visit New Mexico HSD for details.
- County Burial Assistance Programs: Many counties in New Mexico provide burial or cremation assistance for indigent residents. 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 New Mexico 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 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
Several counties in New Mexico provide support for funeral expenses. Examples include:
- Bernalillo County Indigent Burial Program: Offers financial assistance for burial or cremation costs for indigent residents. Learn more at Bernalillo County Services.
- Santa Fe County Funeral Assistance: Provides limited aid to families in financial need. Visit Santa Fe County Resources.
- Doña Ana County Burial Assistance: Covers basic burial or cremation costs for qualifying residents. Visit Doña Ana County Services.
Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations in New Mexico provide support for funeral expenses:
- Catholic Charities of New Mexico: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities New Mexico.
- Salvation Army New Mexico: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army New Mexico.
- United Way of Central New Mexico: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way New Mexico.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural organizations in New Mexico often provide funeral support. Examples include:
- Archdiocese of Santa Fe: Catholic parishes may offer financial assistance for funeral expenses. Visit Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
- Jewish Federation of New Mexico: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Learn more at Jewish Federation New Mexico.
- 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.
Resource Table: Funeral Assistance in New Mexico
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico General Assistance Burial Program | Burial or cremation cost coverage | Low-income families | Visit NM HSD |
| 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 New Mexico | Financial aid for funeral costs | Low-income families | Visit Catholic Charities New Mexico |
| Salvation Army New Mexico | Emergency funeral cost assistance | Families in crisis | Visit Salvation Army New Mexico |
| United Way of Central New Mexico | Connects families with resources | Open to all | Visit United Way New Mexico |
| Bernalillo County Indigent Burial Program | Funeral expense support | Indigent residents | Visit Bernalillo County Services |
| Santa Fe County Funeral Assistance | Burial or cremation cost support | Low-income families | Visit Santa Fe County Resources |
| Doña Ana County Burial Assistance | Funeral assistance for indigent cases | County-determined | Visit Doña Ana County Services |
| Archdiocese of Santa Fe | Emergency aid for funeral costs | Members of Catholic parishes | Visit Archdiocese of Santa Fe |
| Jewish Federation of New Mexico | Funeral cost support | Jewish families in need | Visit Jewish Federation New Mexico |
| 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.
