Funeral expenses in New York can be considerable, but there are various programs, organizations, and charities that offer assistance. This guide outlines who can help pay for a funeral in New York, including a table of resources to help families navigate 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 in New York.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
New York Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, New York’s Medicaid program may offer some assistance with funeral and burial costs. Although Medicaid is primarily focused on healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support under specific conditions.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: New York State Medicaid
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their families may qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, funeral honors, and burial plots in national veterans’ cemeteries. New York has veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans may be buried at reduced or no cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
New York State Burial Assistance Programs
New York offers assistance for indigent burials through local social services. These programs provide financial aid for individuals who cannot afford funeral costs and meet specific income and asset criteria.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals meeting state and county requirements.
- Link: Contact your local social services department for more details.
- See also: County funeral cost assistance
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by soliciting 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
Non-Profit Organizations
There are non-profit organizations in New York that offer assistance for funeral expenses, particularly for families facing sudden loss or financial hardship. These groups may help cover 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 reimbursement for funeral expenses. This program covers 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 New York
Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance for funeral costs to families in New York. These groups 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 in giving their children 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 after losing a child. It provides financial support to ensure every child receives a dignified burial.
- Eligibility: Families needing assistance with 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 New York.
- 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 focuses on helping 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 offers funeral assistance for veterans and their families to help cover funeral and burial costs. Veterans in New York 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 New York 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 New York
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| New York Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | New York State Medicaid |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| New York State Burial Assistance | Aid for low-income residents | Low-income individuals meeting state/county criteria | Contact local social services department |
| 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 |
