Funeral expenses in Washington, D.C., can be challenging for families to cover, but there are various resources available to help with costs. This guide provides an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Washington, D.C., and includes a table of resources for easy access to assistance.
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 Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
D.C. Medicaid Funeral Assistance
Washington, D.C., provides Medicaid services for low-income individuals and families. While primarily a healthcare program, some funeral-related costs may be covered under specific circumstances.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in D.C. Medicaid.
- Link: D.C. Medicaid
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 access to national veterans’ cemeteries. While there is no D.C.-specific veterans’ cemetery, eligible veterans can be buried in national cemeteries.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
D.C. Burial Assistance Program
Washington, D.C., provides limited burial assistance to low-income residents. This program offers financial support for basic funeral expenses for individuals who meet income-based eligibility requirements.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with limited financial resources.
- Link: Contact the D.C. Department of Human Services for more information.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by seeking donations from friends, family, and the wider community. Crowdfunding can help families cover unexpected costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profits provide funeral assistance to families in the D.C. area, particularly in cases of financial hardship or unexpected loss. These organizations often help with burial or cremation costs for families with specific needs.
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 Washington, D.C.
Several charitable organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Washington, D.C. Many focus on families facing the loss of a child, veterans, or those with low incomes.
The Final Farewell Foundation
This foundation provides financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for children, allowing low-income families to give their children a dignified burial or cremation.
- 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, ensuring that 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. They also provide emotional support to grieving families and operate across the U.S., including in Washington, D.C.
- 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 provides financial assistance for veterans and their families to cover funeral and burial expenses. Veterans in Washington, D.C., may be eligible for honors and other funeral benefits through this organization.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance provides guidance and resources for affordable funeral planning. While they do not offer direct financial assistance, they can help families save on funeral costs through cost-saving advice.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Washington, D.C., provide funeral assistance for their members or local community members in need. Some offer free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise funds to cover burial expenses.
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Washington, D.C.
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| D.C. Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | D.C. Medicaid |
| VA Burial Benefits | Burial and funeral expenses for veterans | Eligible veterans and dependents | VA Benefits |
| D.C. Burial Assistance Program | Indigent burial support | Low-income individuals | Contact D.C. DHS |
| 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 |
See also: Funeral Expense Help by State
