Funeral expenses in Iowa can be challenging for families, but there are various programs, organizations, and charities that provide assistance to help cover these costs. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Iowa, along with a table of resources to guide families in finding financial support.
Government Funeral Assistance Programs
Here are federal, state and municipal programs that can help pay for funeral costs.
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 in Iowa.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Iowa Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Iowa’s Medicaid program may offer limited assistance for funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid primarily covers healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under specific conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Iowa 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. Iowa has state veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans may receive reduced-cost or free burial services.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County and Local Burial Assistance Programs
Some counties in Iowa may offer indigent burial or cremation programs for residents who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs provide financial support for low-income individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no resources to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact your local county government for more information.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by asking for donations from 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
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 Iowa
Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Iowa. 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 helps low-income families provide a dignified burial or cremation for their children.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance with child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. The organization ensures that 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 Iowa.
- 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 hardship, including funeral costs. The organization helps those who do 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 Iowa 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 costs by providing guidance 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 Iowa provide funeral assistance to their members or the local community. Some offer free or reduced-cost funeral services, while others help raise funds for families in need.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Iowa
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Iowa Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Iowa Medicaid |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| County and Local Burial Assistance | Assistance for low-income residents | Low-income individuals with no means 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 |
