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.
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 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
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.
- Link: Contact your local county health department.
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.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
Some non-profits provide funeral assistance, especially if the death was sudden or traumatic. Organizations like the Children’s Burial Assistance or the Final Farewell Foundation focus on helping families in need.
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.
- Link: FEMA Funeral Assistance
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.
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
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.
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
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 |
