Funeral costs in Pennsylvania can be difficult for families to manage, but various programs and organizations are available to help cover these expenses. From government benefits to non-profits and local programs, families have options for financial assistance. Below is an overview of resources available to help pay for a funeral in Pennsylvania, along with a table for easy reference.
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 Pennsylvania.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Burial Assistance
For low-income individuals and families, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services offers burial assistance through its emergency assistance programs. While specific programs may vary by county, the goal is to help cover funeral and burial costs for those who qualify based on financial need.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals who qualify for assistance.
- Link: Pennsylvania DHS
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their families may be entitled to burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers burial allowances, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. In Pennsylvania, veterans may also be eligible for burial at state-run veterans’ cemeteries.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Several counties in Pennsylvania offer burial assistance programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs provide financial assistance for indigent burials and cremations for individuals who meet the county’s eligibility criteria.
- 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 soliciting donations from friends, family, and the community. While not guaranteed, these platforms can help families collect funds for funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania provide funeral assistance to families in need, particularly in cases of sudden or tragic loss. These organizations focus on helping families with the burial or cremation costs for children, veterans, and low-income individuals.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
For families who lost a loved one to COVID-19, FEMA provides reimbursement for funeral expenses. The program covers funeral costs 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 Pennsylvania
Several non-profit organizations help families in Pennsylvania cover funeral expenses, particularly in cases where children or veterans are involved, or when families are facing financial hardship.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This non-profit provides financial assistance for funeral expenses for children. The foundation helps low-income families ensure that 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 organization helps families who cannot afford burial expenses for their children. Children’s Burial Assistance provides financial support to ensure that every child receives a dignified burial.
- Eligibility: Families in need of help with child burial costs.
- Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
The TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation offers grants to help with the funeral costs of infants and young children. In addition to financial assistance, they provide emotional support for grieving families. The foundation operates across the U.S., including Pennsylvania.
- Eligibility: Parents needing help with infant funeral expenses.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing unexpected financial hardship, including funeral costs. The organization focuses on helping those who don’t 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. Veterans in Pennsylvania may also qualify for burial at state veterans’ cemeteries, which offer low-cost or free burials.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides resources and information on affordable funeral planning. While they do not offer direct financial assistance, they help families reduce funeral costs by offering guidance on more cost-effective options.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Pennsylvania provide funeral assistance to their members or the broader community. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others may assist families by raising funds through donations.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Pennsylvania
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Pennsylvania DHS Burial Assistance | Funeral assistance for low-income families | Low-income individuals who qualify | PA DHS |
| 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 |
