Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Oklahoma

Funeral expenses can place a heavy financial burden on families, but Oklahoma offers various programs and resources to help manage these costs. This guide provides an overview of state, federal, and local assistance programs, nonprofit resources, veterans’ benefits, religious and cultural organizations, and crowdfunding options available in Oklahoma.

Government Funeral Funding Programs

Here are some government programs available to help with funeral costs at the federal, state, and county levels.

Oklahoma State Programs

Oklahoma provides state-level resources to assist families with funeral costs:

• Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Burial Assistance: Offers assistance for burial or cremation expenses for indigent individuals or unclaimed remains. Contact your local County DHS office or visit the Oklahoma DHS website for details.
• Medicaid Burial Assistance: Funeral cost assistance may be available for Medicaid recipients who meet eligibility criteria. Contact your local OKDHS office for more information.

Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs that help with funeral costs for Oklahoma residents include:

• Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time $255 payment is available to eligible survivors of deceased Social Security beneficiaries. Visit the Social Security Administration website for details.
• FEMA Funeral Assistance: Provides financial aid to families who incur funeral costs due to federally declared natural disasters. Learn more at the FEMA website.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits: Eligible veterans and their families can receive burial allowances, cemetery plot coverage, and reimbursement for funeral expenses. Visit VA Burial Benefits for more details.

Veterans Funeral Assistance

Veterans and their families in Oklahoma have access to specialized funeral benefits:

• VA Burial Benefits: Includes coverage for burial costs, a government-provided headstone or marker, and interment in a national cemetery. Learn more at VA Burial Benefits.
• Oklahoma Veterans Cemeteries: Eligible veterans may be buried at the Fort Sill National Cemetery or other veterans’ cemeteries in the state at reduced or no cost. Visit the National Cemetery Administration website for more information.

For additional resources, see Help to Pay for U.S. Veterans’ Funerals.

Local and County Assistance Programs

Oklahoma counties may offer funeral cost assistance. Examples include:

• Oklahoma County Burial Assistance: Offers financial aid for burial or cremation expenses for low-income families or unclaimed remains. Contact Oklahoma County DHS for more information.
• Tulsa County Indigent Burial Program: Covers basic burial or cremation costs for indigent individuals. Contact Tulsa County Social Services for details.
• Cleveland County Funeral Assistance: Provides limited financial aid for funeral expenses for low-income residents. Contact Cleveland County DHS for more information.

Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.

Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs

Several nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma provide support for funeral expenses:

• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities OKC.
• Salvation Army Oklahoma: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army OK.
• United Way of Oklahoma: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Oklahoma.

See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.

Religious and Cultural Organizations

Religious and cultural organizations in Oklahoma may offer funeral support. Examples include:

• Catholic Diocese of Tulsa: Catholic parishes may provide financial assistance for funeral costs. Visit the Diocese of Tulsa website for details.
• Jewish Federation of Tulsa: Offers funeral assistance to Jewish families in need. Learn more at Jewish Federation Tulsa.
• Local Churches and Organizations: Many churches, mosques, and synagogues in Oklahoma provide funeral-related assistance. Use online directories to locate help, such as the Catholic Directory or The Gospel Coalition.

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 Oklahoma

See also: Funeral Expense Help by State