Funeral expenses can create significant financial stress, but North Carolina offers various programs and resources to help families manage these costs. This guide highlights state, federal, and local assistance programs, nonprofit resources, veterans’ benefits, religious and cultural organizations, and crowdfunding options.
Government Funeral Funding Programs
Here are funeral cost assistance programs at the federal, state, and county levels.
North Carolina State Programs
North Carolina provides state-level programs to assist families with funeral expenses:
- North Carolina County Social Services Burial Assistance: Many counties offer financial assistance for burial or cremation expenses for low-income individuals or unclaimed remains. Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or visit North Carolina DSS for details.
- Medicaid Burial Assistance: Funeral cost assistance may be available for Medicaid recipients, depending on eligibility. Learn more through your local DSS office.
- County Burial Assistance Programs: County-level programs help cover burial costs for indigent residents. For details, visit How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Federal Assistance Programs
Federal programs that assist North Carolina 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
North Carolina counties often provide additional funeral cost assistance. Examples include:
- Wake County Burial Assistance: Provides financial aid for burial or cremation expenses for indigent residents. Learn more at Wake County Social Services.
- Mecklenburg County Funeral Assistance: Offers limited financial aid for low-income families. Visit Mecklenburg County DSS.
- Guilford County Indigent Burial Program: Covers basic burial or cremation costs for qualifying individuals. Visit Guilford County Services.
Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations in North Carolina provide support for funeral expenses:
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities Raleigh.
- Salvation Army North Carolina: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army NC.
- United Way of North Carolina: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way North Carolina.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural organizations in North Carolina may provide funeral support. Examples include:
- Diocese of Charlotte: Catholic parishes may offer financial assistance for funeral expenses. Visit Diocese of Charlotte.
- Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Learn more at Jewish Federation Charlotte.
- 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 North Carolina
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina County Social Services Burial Assistance | Funeral and burial cost coverage | Low-income or unclaimed individuals | Visit North Carolina DSS |
| 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 the Diocese of Raleigh | Financial aid for funeral costs | Low-income families | Visit Catholic Charities Raleigh |
| Salvation Army North Carolina | Emergency funeral cost assistance | Families in crisis | Visit Salvation Army NC |
| United Way of North Carolina | Connects families with resources | Open to all | Visit United Way North Carolina |
| Wake County Burial Assistance | Funeral expense support | Indigent residents | Visit Wake County Social Services |
| Mecklenburg County Funeral Assistance | Burial or cremation cost support | Low-income families | Visit Mecklenburg County DSS |
| Guilford County Indigent Burial Program | Funeral assistance for indigent cases | County-determined | Visit Guilford County Services |
| Diocese of Charlotte | Emergency aid for funeral costs | Members of Catholic parishes | Visit Diocese of Charlotte |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte | Funeral cost support | Jewish families in need | Visit Jewish Federation Charlotte |
| 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.
