Who Can Help Pay for a Funeral in Michigan?

Funeral costs in Michigan can be a significant financial burden for families, but various programs, organizations, and charities offer assistance to help cover these expenses. Below is an overview of who can help pay for a funeral in Michigan, including government benefits, non-profits, and other available resources, along with a table 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 benefit is available nationwide, including in Michigan.

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

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Burial Assistance

For low-income individuals or families, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) may offer assistance with funeral or burial costs. The MDHHS burial assistance program helps cover the costs of funeral services for individuals whose families cannot afford them.

• Eligibility: Low-income individuals who meet the criteria of the MDHHS program.
• Link: Michigan MDHHS Burial Assistance

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Veterans and their families may be eligible for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides burial allowances, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. Michigan also has state veterans’ cemeteries that offer burial services at reduced costs.

• Eligibility: Eligible veterans and their dependents.
• Link: VA Benefits

County Burial Assistance Programs

Several counties in Michigan provide burial assistance programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs are intended to help families facing financial difficulties or those with no family support. Each county may have different eligibility criteria.

• Eligibility: Low-income individuals with no family to cover funeral expenses.
• Link: Contact your local county government for assistance.

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe are a popular option for families looking to raise money for funeral expenses. These platforms allow families to solicit donations from friends, family, and the broader community to help cover costs.

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

Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations in Michigan offer funeral assistance to families in need, especially those facing sudden losses or the death of a child. These organizations focus on providing financial aid for burial or cremation and offer support to grieving families.

State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths

For families who lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA offers financial assistance to cover funeral expenses. This reimbursement program is available 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 Michigan

Several charitable organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs in Michigan, particularly for families with children, veterans, or those experiencing financial hardship.

The Final Farewell Foundation

This organization helps low-income families cover the costs of children’s funerals. The Final Farewell Foundation provides financial assistance for burial or cremation, ensuring that families can provide a dignified service for their children.

• Eligibility: Low-income families needing assistance for child funeral expenses.
• Link: Final Farewell

Children’s Burial Assistance

This charity helps families who cannot afford burial expenses after losing a child. They ensure that every child receives a dignified funeral, regardless of the family’s financial circumstances.

• Eligibility: Families needing assistance for child burial costs.
• Link: Children’s Burial Assistance

The TEARS Foundation

The TEARS Foundation offers grants to help cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. In addition to financial support, they provide emotional support for grieving families. The foundation operates in Michigan and across the United States.

• Eligibility: Parents needing assistance with infant funeral expenses.
• Link: TEARS Foundation

Modest Needs

Modest Needs offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing temporary financial challenges, including funeral costs. The organization provides grants for those who do not qualify for traditional assistance programs.

• Eligibility: Individuals or families facing short-term financial hardship.
• Link: Modest Needs

The American Legion

The American Legion provides funeral assistance to veterans and their families. Veterans in Michigan may also be eligible for burial at state veterans’ cemeteries, which offer reduced or no-cost burials.

• Eligibility: Veterans and their families.
• Link: American Legion

Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance offers guidance on planning affordable funerals. While they do not provide direct financial aid, they help families navigate funeral costs and offer resources for reducing expenses.

• Eligibility: Anyone needing help with funeral planning.
• Link: Funeral Consumers Alliance

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

Many churches and religious organizations in Michigan offer funeral assistance to their members or the local community. Some may provide free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise donations for families in need.

Table of Resources for Funeral Assistance in Michigan