Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Connecticut?
Funeral costs in Connecticut can be burdensome for families, but several programs, organizations, and charities provide assistance to help cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Connecticut, along with a table of resources to guide families toward financial 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 Connecticut.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Connecticut Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Connecticut’s Medicaid program (HUSKY Health) may offer limited assistance for funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid typically focuses on healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under specific conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health)
County and Local Resources
See this post for help on contact county resources that can help pay for funeral expenses.
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. Connecticut also has veterans’ cemeteries where eligible 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
State Burial Assistance Program
Connecticut has a state-run burial assistance program that provides financial aid to low-income families to cover burial or cremation expenses. The program is intended for those who meet specific income criteria and do not have resources to cover funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals meeting state program requirements.
- Link: Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services for more information.
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 costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
For families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA offers financial assistance for funeral expenses. The program covers funeral costs for deaths attributed to COVID-19 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 Connecticut
Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Connecticut. These organizations often 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 supports low-income families to 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 after losing a child. The organization provides financial support to ensure every child has a dignified burial.
- 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. The foundation also provides emotional support and operates across the U.S., including Connecticut.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to families and individuals facing temporary financial hardship, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on 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 to help cover funeral and burial costs. Veterans in Connecticut may qualify for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries.
- 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 funeral costs through cost-saving advice and guidance.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Connecticut provide funeral assistance to members or the 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 Connecticut
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Connecticut Medicaid Funeral Assistance (HUSKY Health) | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Connecticut HUSKY Health |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| State Burial Assistance Program | Burial or cremation assistance | Low-income individuals meeting income criteria | Connecticut Department of Social Services |
| 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 |
