Funeral costs in Florida can be challenging for families, but several programs and organizations offer financial assistance to help cover expenses. From government benefits to non-profits, there are many ways to access support. This guide outlines who can help pay for a funeral in Florida, along with 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 Florida.
- Eligibility: Surviving spouse or children of the deceased.
- Link: Social Security Administration
Florida Medicaid Funeral Assistance
For individuals enrolled in Medicaid, Florida may offer limited assistance for funeral and burial expenses. While Medicaid generally covers medical expenses, certain programs may offer benefits that assist with funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
- Link: Florida Medicaid
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. Florida also has state-run veterans’ cemeteries that offer burial services for veterans at a reduced cost.
- Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents.
- Link: VA Benefits
County Burial Programs
Several counties in Florida offer indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals who do not have the financial means to cover funeral expenses. These programs are intended for people with no known family members or when the family cannot afford funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover costs.
- Link: Contact your local county health department.
GoFundMe and Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe allow families to raise funds for funeral expenses by soliciting donations from the community. While not a guaranteed method of funding, these platforms have helped many families in Florida cover funeral costs.
- Eligibility: Anyone can set up a campaign.
- Link: GoFundMe Funeral Fundraising
Non-Profit Organizations
There are several non-profit organizations in Florida that provide funeral assistance, particularly for those who have suffered a tragic or sudden loss. Many of these groups focus on helping families with the burial costs of children or other specific populations.
State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths
For those who lost a loved one to COVID-19, FEMA provides financial assistance to cover funeral costs. The program reimburses 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 Florida
Several non-profit organizations offer funeral assistance for families in Florida who are unable to afford funeral expenses. These organizations often focus on helping families dealing with the loss of a child, veterans, or low-income families.
The Final Farewell Foundation
The Final Farewell Foundation helps families cover funeral costs for children. The foundation provides financial assistance for low-income families, ensuring that every child receives a dignified burial or cremation.
- Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance for child funeral expenses.
- Link: Final Farewell
Children’s Burial Assistance
This charity provides financial help to families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. The organization aims to ensure that every child receives a dignified funeral, regardless of the family’s financial situation.
- Eligibility: Families in need of assistance for child burial costs.
- Link: Children’s Burial Assistance
The TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation offers financial assistance for families needing help with infant funeral costs. They also provide emotional support for families grieving the loss of an infant. The organization operates across multiple states, including Florida.
- Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with funeral expenses for infants.
- Link: TEARS Foundation
Modest Needs
Modest Needs is a non-profit that provides short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing unexpected hardships, including funeral expenses. The organization offers grants for those who do not qualify for traditional forms of government assistance.
- Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
- Link: Modest Needs
The American Legion
The American Legion offers financial support to veterans and their families for funeral expenses. Veterans in Florida may also be eligible for burial in state veterans’ cemeteries at a reduced or no cost.
- Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
- Link: American Legion
Funeral Consumers Alliance
While the Funeral Consumers Alliance doesn’t provide direct financial assistance, they offer information to help families plan more affordable funerals. They provide resources on funeral planning and cost-saving tips.
- Eligibility: Anyone needing funeral planning assistance.
- Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance
Local Churches and Religious Organizations
Many churches and religious organizations in Florida offer funeral assistance to their members or local community. Some may provide free or low-cost funeral services, while others may assist with donations or fundraising to cover funeral expenses.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of Florida provides funeral assistance to low-income families. Through local dioceses, they may offer reduced-cost funerals or help with burial expenses for those in need.
- Eligibility: Low-income individuals or families, often members of the Catholic Church.
- Link: Catholic Charities of Florida
Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Florida
| Resource | Type of Assistance | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Death Benefit | One-time payment of $255 | Surviving spouse or children of deceased | Social Security Administration |
| Florida Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Limited funeral coverage | Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid | Florida Medicaid |
| 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 Florida |
