Funeral costs in Arizona can be overwhelming for families, but various programs, organizations, and charities offer assistance to help cover these expenses. This guide provides an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Arizona, along with a table of resources to direct families toward available financial support.
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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 Arizona.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Arizona Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For low-income individuals, Arizona’s Medicaid program (AHCCCS) may offer some assistance with funeral and burial costs. While Medicaid typically covers healthcare, certain funeral-related expenses may qualify for support in specific situations.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Arizona AHCCCS
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Veterans and their families may qualify for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA offers burial allowances, funeral honors, and burial plots in national veterans’ cemeteries. Arizona also has a state veterans’ cemetery where eligible veterans may be buried at a reduced cost or no cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
- Also see: Help with funeral expenses for veterans
County Burial Programs
Some counties in Arizona provide indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals unable to afford funeral expenses. These programs are available to residents who meet the county’s financial eligibility requirements for low-income assistance.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
- Link: Contact your local county government for assistance.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds to cover funeral costs by reaching out to friends, family, and the community. These platforms can help provide financial relief in cases of unexpected funeral expenses.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations in Arizona offer funeral assistance, especially for families facing sudden loss or financial hardship. These groups often help with burial or cremation expenses for children, veterans, and low-income individuals.
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. The 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 Arizona
Several charitable organizations offer financial assistance to help families in Arizona cover funeral expenses. Many of these groups focus on families facing 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, allowing low-income families to 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 organization assists families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. They provide financial support 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 help families cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. The foundation also provides emotional support and operates across the U.S., including Arizona.
- 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 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 for veterans and their families to help cover funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Arizona may qualify for burial in the state veterans’ cemetery, which provides reduced-cost or free burial options.
- 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 funeral costs through cost-saving guidance.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Arizona provide funeral assistance to members or the community. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise funds for families who cannot afford burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Arizona
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Arizona Medicaid Funeral Assistance (AHCCCS) | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Arizona AHCCCS |
| 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 |
These resources can help families in Arizona access financial assistance for funeral expenses, ensuring that loved ones receive dignified services despite financial hardship.
