Funeral expenses can be a significant financial challenge, but Vermont offers resources to assist families with these costs. This guide covers 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.
Vermont State Programs
Vermont provides state-level programs to assist families with funeral expenses:
- Vermont General Assistance Burial Program: Administered through the Department for Children and Families (DCF), this program offers financial aid for burial or cremation expenses for low-income individuals. Families may be eligible for up to $1,100 in assistance. Visit Vermont DCF for more information.
- County Burial Assistance Programs: Some counties in Vermont provide burial or cremation assistance for unclaimed or 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 Vermont 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 details.
- 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 Vermont counties provide support for funeral expenses. Examples include:
- Chittenden County Burial Assistance: Offers financial support for burial or cremation expenses for low-income families or unclaimed remains. Visit Chittenden County Services.
- Washington County Funeral Assistance: Provides limited financial aid to families in financial distress. Learn more at Washington County Resources.
- Rutland County Indigent Burial Program: Covers basic burial or cremation costs for qualifying individuals. Visit Rutland County Services.
Learn more: How to help funeral expenses help at the county level.
Nonprofit Funeral Assistance Programs
Several nonprofit organizations in Vermont provide support for funeral expenses:
- Catholic Charities of Vermont: Offers emergency financial assistance for funeral costs to low-income families. Visit Catholic Charities Vermont.
- Salvation Army Northern New England Division: Provides emergency financial aid for funeral-related expenses. Visit Salvation Army Vermont.
- United Way of Vermont: Connects families with local resources for funeral assistance. Dial 2-1-1 or visit United Way Vermont.
See also: Charities that offer funeral financial assistance.
Religious and Cultural Organizations
Religious and cultural organizations in Vermont often provide funeral support. Examples include:
- Diocese of Burlington: Catholic parishes may offer financial assistance for funeral expenses. Visit Diocese of Burlington.
- Jewish Communities of Vermont: Offers support for Jewish families in need of funeral assistance. Learn more at Jewish Communities VT.
- 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.
Comparison Table: Funeral Assistance in Vermont
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont General Assistance Burial Program | Up to $1,100 for burial or cremation costs | Low-income families | Visit Vermont DCF |
| 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 Vermont | Financial aid for funeral costs | Low-income families | Visit Catholic Charities Vermont |
| Salvation Army Northern New England Division | Emergency funeral cost assistance | Families in crisis | Visit Salvation Army Vermont |
| United Way of Vermont | Connects families with resources | Open to all | Visit United Way Vermont |
| Chittenden County Burial Assistance | Funeral expense support | Indigent residents | Visit Chittenden County Services |
| Washington County Funeral Assistance | Burial or cremation cost support | Low-income families | Visit Washington County Resources |
| Rutland County Indigent Burial Program | Funeral assistance for indigent cases | County-determined | Visit Rutland County Services |
| Diocese of Burlington | Emergency aid for funeral costs | Members of Catholic parishes | Visit Diocese of Burlington |
| Jewish Communities of Vermont | Funeral cost support | Jewish families in need | Visit Jewish Communities VT |
| 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.
