Funeral costs in Colorado can be challenging for families, but there are various programs, organizations, and charities that provide assistance to help cover these expenses. This guide outlines who can help pay for a funeral in Colorado, along with a table of resources to support families in finding financial aid.
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 Colorado.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Colorado Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Colorado’s Medicaid program may offer limited assistance with funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid primarily covers healthcare, under certain circumstances, funeral-related expenses may be supported.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Colorado Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their dependents may qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. Colorado has state veterans’ cemeteries that may offer reduced-cost or free burial services for eligible veterans.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Certain counties in Colorado offer indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals unable to afford funeral expenses. These programs provide financial support for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility requirements.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact your local county government for details.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by reaching out to friends, family, and the community. These platforms can help cover unexpected funeral expenses.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Colorado provide funeral assistance, particularly in cases of unexpected or tragic deaths. These groups may help with burial or cremation expenses for families in financial hardship.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
Families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19 may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. This program reimburses funeral expenses for deaths attributed to COVID-19 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 Colorado
Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Colorado. Many of these organizations focus on helping families dealing with the loss of a child, veterans, or those experiencing financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for children. The organization helps 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 offers financial assistance to families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. The organization ensures every child has 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 provides grants to help families cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. The foundation also offers emotional support and operates across the U.S., including Colorado.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing temporary financial difficulties, including funeral costs. The organization helps those who may not qualify for traditional welfare 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, helping with funeral and burial costs. Veterans in Colorado may qualify for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries, which offer reduced-cost or free services.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides information and resources for affordable funeral planning. While they do not offer direct financial assistance, they help families reduce costs by offering advice on affordable funeral services.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing assistance with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Colorado provide funeral assistance to members or the local community. Some offer free or reduced-cost funeral services, while others help raise funds for families who cannot afford burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Colorado
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Colorado Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Colorado 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 |
These resources can help families in Colorado access financial assistance for funeral expenses, ensuring that loved ones receive dignified services despite financial challenges.
