How to Get Help with Funeral Costs in Alaska?

Funeral costs in Alaska can be challenging for families, but there are various programs, organizations, and charities that provide financial assistance to help cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Alaska, along with a table of resources to guide families toward available financial support.

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Government funeral cost help programs

Here are programs at various levels of government that can help with funeral expenses.

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 Alaska.

• Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
• Link: Social Security Administration

Alaska Medicaid Funeral Assistance

For low-income individuals and families, Alaska Medicaid may offer limited assistance with funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid is primarily for healthcare, certain expenses related to funerals may qualify for support under specific conditions.

• Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
• Link: Alaska 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 access to national veterans’ cemeteries. While Alaska does not have a state-run veterans’ cemetery, eligible veterans may be entitled to other VA benefits.

• Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
• Link: VA Benefits
• Also see: Help with funeral expenses for veterans

Alaska General Relief Assistance (GRA) Program

Alaska’s General Relief Assistance (GRA) program provides emergency financial aid to cover funeral expenses for low-income individuals. This program is intended for families who cannot afford burial costs and may offer some relief for funeral-related expenses.

• Eligibility: Low-income individuals who meet the GRA requirements.
• Link: Alaska GRA Program

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe allow families to raise money for funeral expenses by reaching out to friends, family, and the community. These platforms can be effective for covering 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 to COVID-19 may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. The program covers 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 Alaska

Several non-profit organizations offer financial support to help families in Alaska cover funeral expenses. Many of these organizations focus on helping families facing the loss of a child, veterans, or those in financial hardship.

See also: U.S. Charities that can help with funeral costs

The Final Farewell Foundation

This foundation provides financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for children. The foundation helps low-income families provide a dignified burial or cremation for their children.

• Eligibility: Low-income families needing help with child funeral expenses.
• Link: Final Farewell

Children’s Burial Assistance

This charity assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after the death of a child. They provide financial help 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 cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. They also provide emotional support to families, operating across the U.S., including Alaska.

• Eligibility: Parents needing help with infant funeral expenses.
• Link: TEARS Foundation

Modest Needs

Modest Needs provides short-term financial assistance to families and individuals facing temporary financial hardship, including funeral expenses. 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 financial support to veterans and their families for funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Alaska may be eligible for funeral assistance and honors through this organization.

• Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
• Link: American Legion

Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance offers guidance on planning affordable funerals. While they do not provide direct financial assistance, they help families save on funeral costs through resources and cost-saving strategies.

• Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
• Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

Many churches and religious organizations in Alaska offer funeral assistance for their members or the local community. Some may provide free or reduced-cost services, while others may help raise donations for burial expenses.

See also:

• Christian charities that can help with funeral costs
• Jewish charities that can help with funeral costs

Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Alaska