Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in California?

Funeral costs in California can be overwhelming, but various organizations, programs, and charities may provide financial assistance to help ease the burden. From government benefits to non-profit organizations, several resources exist to assist families in covering funeral and burial expenses. This article outlines who can help pay for a funeral in California, with a helpful table of resources for easy reference.

In This Article

Government funeral financial assistance

Here is government level support in California available for assistance with funeral expenses.

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, their spouse or children may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255. This is a federal benefit and applies nationwide, including in California.

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

California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal)

If the deceased was enrolled in Medi-Cal, the state may offer limited assistance for funeral and burial expenses. While Medi-Cal generally covers medical needs, certain long-term care programs may have funeral benefits attached.

Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medi-Cal.
Link: California Department of Health Care Services

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be entitled to burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, a burial plot, and funeral honors for eligible veterans. Additionally, California has veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans can be interred at reduced or no cost.

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

County Burial Programs

For individuals with no means or whose families cannot afford funeral expenses, many counties in California have indigent burial or cremation programs. These programs are often referred to as “pauper burials.” Each county has different eligibility requirements and levels of assistance.

Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover costs.
Where to apply: Contact your local county health department. Learn how.

State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths

For those who lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA offers reimbursement for funeral expenses through their COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. The death must have occurred after January 20, 2020, and be attributed to COVID-19 to qualify.

Eligibility: Death attributed to COVID-19 after January 20, 2020.
Visit: FEMA Funeral Assistance

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Families increasingly turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to raise funds for funeral expenses. While this is not a guaranteed source of funding, it has helped many families cover the high costs of funerals.

Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
Visit: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising

Charities and Non-Profits That Help Pay for Funerals in California

In addition to government programs, several charities and non-profit organizations offer funeral assistance, especially to families in financial distress. These organizations often focus on helping specific groups such as children, veterans, or low-income families.

See more about Charities That Can Help Pay for a Funeral.

The Final Farewell Foundation

This non-profit provides financial assistance for funeral expenses, specifically focusing on children. The organization helps families by covering the costs of burial or cremation for children who pass away, ensuring that no family has to face financial hardship during such a difficult time.

Eligibility: Low-income families in need of funeral assistance for a child.
Link: Final Farewell

Children’s Burial Assistance

This charity assists families who have lost a child but cannot afford the burial costs. The organization provides funeral cost support, helping to ensure that every child receives a dignified burial regardless of the family’s financial situation.

Eligibility: Families needing assistance for the burial of a child.
Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
See also: Who can help pay for a child’s funeral.

The TEARS Foundation

This foundation helps families with the cost of infant funerals and provides emotional support to families who have lost a baby. The TEARS Foundation operates across the U.S., including California, and provides grants to help cover burial or cremation expenses for infants.

Eligibility: Parents needing financial assistance to cover funeral costs for infants.
Link: TEARS Foundation

Modest Needs

This non-profit organization provides financial grants to individuals and families facing short-term financial challenges, including funeral expenses. Modest Needs focuses on helping people who don’t qualify for traditional assistance programs but still need financial help.

Eligibility: Individuals and families facing short-term financial hardships.
Link: Modest Needs

The American Legion

The American Legion offers funeral assistance programs for veterans and their families. In addition to help with funeral costs, they may also offer support with securing burial rights in veterans’ cemeteries.

Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
Link: American Legion

Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides information and resources to help consumers navigate funeral costs and make informed decisions. While they do not provide direct financial assistance, they help families reduce costs by offering guidance on affordable options.

Eligibility: Anyone needing assistance with funeral planning and cost-saving tips.
Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

Many churches and religious organizations in California provide funeral assistance to their members or even to the local community. They may offer free or low-cost funeral services, help with donations, or cover burial expenses. See also: Christian charities in the U.S. that can help with funeral costs

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of California may provide funeral assistance to low-income families and those in need, often offering support through local dioceses. These services may include reduced-cost funerals or help in organizing charity events to raise funds.

Eligibility: Low-income individuals or families, usually members of the Catholic Church.
Link: Catholic Charities of California

Jewish Charities

See these Jewish charities that provide assistance for funerals in the U.S.

Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in California

Resource	Type of Assistance	Eligibility	Link
Social Security Death Benefit	One-time payment of $255	Surviving spouse or children of deceased	Social Security Administration
Medi-Cal Funeral Assistance	Limited funeral coverage	Deceased was enrolled in Medi-Cal	California Department of Health Care Services
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 health 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
Catholic Charities	Funeral assistance	Low-income families	Catholic Charities of California