How to Get Help with Funeral Costs in Canada?

Funerals can be expensive, with the average cost ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the services chosen. For many families, covering these costs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, several resources and programs across Canada provide financial assistance to help ease the burden.

In this guide, we’ll cover government programs, municipal assistance, charitable organizations, and other resources that can help pay for a funeral in Canada.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit provides a one-time, lump-sum payment of up to $2,500 to the estate of a deceased CPP contributor. This benefit is intended to help offset funeral costs.

• Eligibility: The deceased must have made sufficient contributions to the CPP. The applicant is usually the executor of the estate.
• How to apply: Apply through Service Canada online or by mail.
• Link: CPP Death Benefit Application

Provincial and Territorial Assistance Programs

Each province and territory in Canada offers its own program to assist low-income families with funeral expenses. These programs often have specific eligibility criteria, such as income level and assets, and they typically cover essential funeral services. Below is a table of funeral assistance programs available across Canada:

Provincial and Territorial Assistance Programs

These provincial and territorial programs typically cover basic funeral services, such as burial or cremation, a simple casket or urn, and transportation of the deceased. Families must apply directly through the respective programs to determine eligibility and receive assistance.

Municipal Assistance Programs

In many Canadian municipalities, local governments provide financial assistance for funerals, particularly for families unable to cover the costs. These programs often cover basic services, including cremation, burial, a simple casket, and transportation of remains. Here’s a table of the top municipalities across Canada where assistance is available:

Municipal Assistance Programs by Province

Charities That Can Help Pay for a Funeral by Province

In addition to government and municipal assistance, various charitable organizations across Canada offer financial support for funeral expenses. Here is a list of charities by province:

Charities by Province

Religious Organizations

Many religious organizations provide assistance with funeral expenses. Check wih your local church, synagogue or temple to see what is available to your family.

See also :

• Christian charities that can help with funeral expenses in Canada
• Jewish charities in Canada that can help with funeral expenses

Crowdfunding as an Option

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or FundRazr have become a popular option for families looking to raise money to cover funeral expenses. These platforms allow individuals to create online campaigns where friends, family, and community members can donate money. Although crowdfunding does not guarantee that all costs will be covered, it can ease the financial burden for families who do not qualify for other assistance.

• Platforms: GoFundMe, FundRazr

When using crowdfunding, be sure to provide clear details about how the funds will be used, and keep donors updated on the progress of the campaign.

Funeral Home Payment Plans

Many funeral homes in Canada offer payment plans or financing options to help families manage funeral costs over time. These plans typically allow families to pay for funeral services in monthly installments, which can range from 6 months to several years. Interest rates and terms vary, so it’s important to compare options and read contracts carefully.

How Funeral Home Payment Plans Work:

• Initial Deposit: Funeral homes often require an upfront deposit, usually covering a portion of the overall cost.
• Monthly Payments: The remaining balance is spread over a series of monthly payments, depending on the plan.
• Interest Rates: Some plans have low-interest rates, while others may include higher fees, depending on the funeral home and the family’s creditworthiness.
• Eligibility: Families need to check with funeral homes directly to learn more about their specific financing options and eligibility criteria.

Many funeral homes partner with third-party financing companies to offer these services, so be sure to ask if this option is available when planning a funeral.

Help to Pay for a Funeral by Province

Here are our pages that contain information and resources that help pay for funeral that are specific to each Canadian province.

Info is available for provinces that are linked.

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario (see also ODSP)
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• PEI
• Newfoundland
• Nunavut
• NWT
• Yukon