Funeral costs in Alabama can be difficult for families to manage, but several programs, organizations, and charities provide financial assistance to help cover these expenses. Here’s an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Alabama, along with a table of resources to guide families in finding available support.
Social Security Benefits
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, their spouse or children may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255. This benefit is available nationwide, including Alabama.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Alabama Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Alabama’s Medicaid program may offer limited assistance to help with funeral or burial costs. Although primarily a healthcare program, certain expenses related to funerals may qualify for support in specific circumstances.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Alabama Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers burial allowances, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. Alabama also has a state veterans’ cemetery where veterans may be buried at reduced or no cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
- Also see: Help with funeral expenses for veterans
County Burial Programs
Some counties in Alabama provide burial assistance for individuals unable to afford funeral expenses. These programs offer financial support for low-income residents who meet county-specific eligibility criteria for indigent burials.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact your local county government.
- See also: County level assistance
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by soliciting donations from friends, family, and the community. These platforms can help provide financial relief for unexpected funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Alabama offer funeral assistance, especially in cases of sudden or tragic deaths. These organizations provide financial assistance for burial or cremation costs, often focusing on families with financial hardship.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
For those who lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA offers financial reimbursement for funeral expenses. This program is available for COVID-19-related deaths that occurred after January 20, 2020.
- Eligibility: Death attributed to COVID-19 after January 20, 2020.
- Link: FEMA Funeral Assistance
Charities and Non-Profits That Help Pay for Funerals in Alabama
Several non-profit organizations offer financial assistance to families in Alabama facing funeral expenses. These groups often focus on families dealing with the loss of a child, veterans, or low-income individuals experiencing financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to cover the costs of children’s funerals, helping low-income families ensure their children receive a dignified burial or cremation.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance with child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity helps families who cannot afford burial expenses for a child. Children’s Burial Assistance ensures that every child receives a dignified burial, regardless of the family’s financial situation.
- Eligibility: Families needing assistance for child burial costs.
- Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
The TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation offers grants to help families cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. They also provide emotional support to families, operating across the U.S., including Alabama.
- Eligibility: Parents needing help with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs provides short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardship, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on helping those who do not qualify for traditional assistance programs.
- Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
- Link: Modest Needs
The American Legion
The American Legion provides funeral assistance for veterans and their families. In Alabama, veterans may qualify for burial in the state veterans’ cemetery, where low-cost or free burial services are available.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance offers guidance and resources for affordable funeral planning. While they do not provide direct financial assistance, they help families reduce costs by offering advice on affordable funeral options.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing assistance with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Alabama provide funeral assistance to members and the community. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise funds to cover burial expenses for families in need.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Alabama
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Alabama Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Alabama Medicaid |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| County Burial Assistance | Indigent burial or cremation | Low-income individuals with no family to cover costs | Contact local county government |
| FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | Reimbursement for COVID-19 funeral costs | Death attributed to COVID-19 after Jan. 20, 2020 | FEMA Funeral Assistance |
| GoFundMe | Crowdfunding for funeral expenses | Anyone | GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising |
| Final Farewell Foundation | Funeral costs for children | Low-income families | Final Farewell |
| Children’s Burial Assistance | Child burial assistance | Families in need | Children’s Burial Assistance |
| TEARS Foundation | Infant funeral cost coverage | Parents of infants | TEARS Foundation |
| Modest Needs | Grants for funeral expenses | Short-term financial hardship | Modest Needs |
| American Legion | Funeral assistance for veterans | Veterans and families | American Legion |
| Funeral Consumers Alliance | Information on reducing funeral costs | All individuals | Funeral Consumers Alliance |
