How to Get Help with Funeral Costs in Ohio

Funeral costs in Ohio can be overwhelming 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 Ohio, along with a table of resources to guide families through available financial support.

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 Ohio.

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

Ohio Medicaid Funeral Assistance

For low-income individuals, Ohio’s Medicaid program may offer limited financial assistance to help cover funeral or burial costs. Medicaid typically focuses on healthcare, but certain funeral-related services may qualify for support under specific circumstances.

• Eligibility: Deceased was enrolled in Medicaid.
• Link: Ohio 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, funeral honors, and access to national veterans’ cemeteries. Ohio also has state-run veterans’ cemeteries where eligible veterans can be buried with reduced costs.

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

County Burial Programs

Several counties in Ohio offer indigent burial or cremation programs for individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses. These programs provide financial assistance to help families cover burial or cremation costs when the deceased or family members lack the financial means.

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

GoFundMe and Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe allow families to raise funds to cover funeral costs by soliciting donations from friends, family, and the broader community. These platforms can help provide financial support in cases of unexpected expenses.

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

Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations in Ohio offer funeral assistance, particularly for families facing sudden or tragic deaths. These organizations often help with burial or cremation costs for children, veterans, or individuals with financial hardship.

State and Federal Assistance for COVID-19 Deaths

Families who lost a loved one to COVID-19 may qualify for financial assistance through FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. This 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 Ohio

Several non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for families in Ohio. Many of these organizations focus on helping families dealing with the loss of a child, veterans, or low-income individuals.

The Final Farewell Foundation

This foundation provides financial assistance for funeral costs of children, helping low-income families ensure their children receive dignified burial or cremation services.

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

Children’s Burial Assistance

This charity offers financial assistance to families who cannot afford burial expenses for a child. The organization ensures that every child receives a dignified burial, regardless of the family’s financial circumstances.

• Eligibility: Families in need of help with child burial costs.
• Link: Children’s Burial Assistance

The TEARS Foundation

The TEARS Foundation provides grants to cover funeral expenses for infants and young children. The foundation also offers emotional support to grieving families and operates across the U.S., including Ohio.

• 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 financial hardship, including funeral costs. 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 offers financial assistance to veterans and their families for funeral expenses. Veterans in Ohio may also qualify for burial at state-run veterans’ cemeteries, which offer low-cost or free services.

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

Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance offers resources and guidance for affordable funeral planning. While they do not provide direct financial assistance, they help families reduce costs through advice on affordable options and services.

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

Local Churches and Religious Organizations

Many churches and religious organizations in Ohio offer funeral assistance to their members or to local communities. Some may provide free or reduced-cost services, while others help raise donations to cover burial expenses.

Table of Resources for Funeral Cost Assistance in Ohio