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Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Connecticut

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.

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.

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

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.

Non-Profit Organizations

Connecticut has several non-profit organizations that provide funeral assistance to families facing financial hardship, especially in cases of sudden or tragic death. These organizations may help with burial or cremation costs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

ResourceType of AssistanceEligibilityLink
Social Security Death BenefitOne-time payment of $255Surviving spouse or children of deceasedSocial Security Administration
Connecticut Medicaid Funeral Assistance (HUSKY Health)Limited funeral coverageDeceased was enrolled in MedicaidConnecticut HUSKY Health
VA Burial BenefitsBurial and funeral expenses for veteransEligible veterans and dependentsVA Benefits
State Burial Assistance ProgramBurial or cremation assistanceLow-income individuals meeting income criteriaConnecticut Department of Social Services
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral AssistanceReimbursement for COVID-19 funeral costsDeath attributed to COVID-19 after Jan. 20, 2020FEMA Funeral Assistance
GoFundMeCrowdfunding for funeral expensesAnyoneGoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Final Farewell FoundationFuneral costs for childrenLow-income familiesFinal Farewell
Children’s Burial AssistanceChild burial assistanceFamilies in needChildren’s Burial Assistance
TEARS FoundationInfant funeral cost coverageParents of infantsTEARS Foundation
Modest NeedsGrants for funeral expensesShort-term financial hardshipModest Needs
American LegionFuneral assistance for veteransVeterans and familiesAmerican Legion
Funeral Consumers AllianceInformation on reducing funeral costsAll individualsFuneral Consumers Alliance
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