How To Get Help With Funeral Costs

Funerals are difficult to think about, let alone plan for. But when the moment arrives, there’s a lot to think about and that includes, yes, paying for it all. And it may cost a lot more than you think. The average funeral comes with quite the hefty price tag: anywhere between $5,000 and $9,000 according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to get help with funeral costs. Here are some of the top methods to consider.

Ways To Find Help To Pay For A Funeral

Charities

Several nonprofits have formed over the years to help with funeral costs. Organizations and traditional 501(c)(3) groups have programs that offer a great deal of assistance to those who qualify.

The nonprofit Final Farewell offers help with funerals for children, providing both guidance and monetary assistance to families who are struggling to have a proper goodbye for their beloved child.

A similar nonprofit option is Children’s Burial Assistance, which covers everything from burial plots to grave fees and the cost of cremation.

Churches

Those looking for help with funeral costs may find what they need through a local religious organization. Many churches have fundraising offices for members of their congregation, with funds set aside for costs but also assistance planning services.

Funeral Homes

You may also find financial support through the funeral home of your choice. Several may either offer highly discounted services or work out a payment plan, especially for low-income individuals or those coping with similar circumstances.

Sometimes a funeral home will even offer certain services free of charge.

The Federal Government

Various programs established by the government also offer help with funerals in the form of substantial financial relief. The Social Security Administration offers monthly payments to those facing funeral costs depending on their financial status and relationship to the deceased.

In addition, if a loved one who has collected Social Security benefits dies, family members could also receive a one-time payout.

The Veterans Administration offers assistance to the family of military veterans and service members who have died, as well as financial help for minor children and spouses of veterans.

A family member may also be eligible for burial at a state or national military cemetery. Those family members who are survivors could also receive between $300-$2000 in a burial allowance that’s also tax-free.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be the way to go if an emergency or natural disaster is to blame for a death. The organization often provides help with funeral costs, such as paying for caskets, mortuary services, and the cost of the death certificate, through funeral grants.

FEMA has also established a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program for deaths attributed to the pandemic, and those who qualify may receive up to $9,000 in assistance, covering such expenses as transportation, interment, caskets, and headstones.

State Assistance

States offer a range of funeral assistance programs, and each has its own budget and rules.

For example, California offers aid for funerals of those who were victims of violent crime and Maine’s General Assistance Program provides benefits of up to $1,000 for funerals. A state’s Department of Health can outline your options depending on where you live.

Burial Insurance

It’s commonly overlooked but there is such a thing as insurance available to cover your funeral. As with other forms of insurance, rates vary based on your health, age, and sex — premiums are far cheaper for women than men — and once you turn 65, rates go up at 5-year intervals and skyrocket once you turn 90.

But it’s worth considering. A policy that costs just $35 a month for a woman in good health that’s 60 years old yields a death benefit totaling $10,000.

Consider An Emergency Installment Loan

A funeral can be shockingly expensive, and it can be a long wait to get any financial assistance even when you qualify. An emergency installment loan is an option to get the relief you’re looking for quickly and easily.

An installment loan is a short-term loan offering cash that is paid back over time in set installments. They are designed for financial emergencies and come with very few requirements to qualify. You may also qualify in as little as 30 minutes for an emergency installment loan of up to $1,500 at Idaho Title Loans, Inc.

And when you qualify, you can get the cash you need that same day or the following business day. It all starts online. Fill out the short emergency installment loan form on our homepage.

Soon after it is submitted, a loan representative from the Idaho Title Loans, Inc. location nearest you will give you a quick call and guide you through the rest of the loan process.

Get Started Today

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. Help with funeral costs should come easily to those who need it the most. To see how an emergency installment loan may help, start online, give us a call, or visit us today.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.