The sudden loss of a loved one is an overwhelming experience. When finances are tight, the burden can feel even heavier. Funerals are expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. The sticker shock leaves many to wonder how to get help paying for a funeral. If you are in this situation, be aware that options are available to help you navigate this challenging time.
Here’s a guide on what to do when someone dies unexpectedly and you need help paying for the funeral.
Take a Moment to Breathe
First, allow yourself to process the shock and grief. You don’t need to make every decision all at once. Some steps, like notifying authorities or a coroner, require prompt attention, but many funeral-related choices can wait a day or two. Use this time to gather your thoughts and explore your options.
The immediate next steps depend on the circumstances of the death. (See our page on First Calls). If it happened at home, you may need to call emergency services or a hospice provider if they were under care. The body will typically be taken to a morgue or funeral home. You’re not legally required to pay for an elaborate funeral, but someone will need to handle the disposition of the body (e.g., burial or cremation).
Explore Low-Cost or No-Cost Options
Funerals don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Direct cremation is often the least expensive option. It involves cremating the body without a viewing or ceremony. You can hold a memorial later when finances allow.
Donating the body to a medical school or research facility is usually free and may include cremation afterward, with ashes returned to the family. However, body donation usually must be arranged in advance. It may not be a good option if the death occurs suddenly. Contact local universities or organizations with whole-body donation programs to find out if this is an option in your circumstances. Be aware that most programs have specific requirements for accepting bodies.
Green burial is an eco-friendly option that skips embalming and uses a simple biodegradable casket or shroud. While it’s not free, it can be less expensive than traditional burials. Not all areas have facilities that offer this type of burial, so you will need to do a little research.
Take Advantage of Government Assistance
Public funding is limited and handled by various groups. We have information on our website that may be helpful.
- STATE ASSISTANCE: Programs vary from state to state. Some states have vibrant funeral assistance programs, while others are more limited. Our website provides information on various state assistance programs. You can use this link to find more information. https://www.funeralwise.com/plan/paying/getting-state-assistance/.
In some states, the county is responsible for administering funeral assistance programs. If you can’t find the information online, contact the county head, who may be the County Clerk, County Judge, or County Manager. Your local social services or public health agency may also be able to point you in the right direction. - FEDERAL ASSISTANCE: The Federal Government offers limited assistance. For more information visit https://www.funeralwise.com/plan/paying/getting-federal-assistance/. If the deceased met certain work requirements, a modest lump-sum death benefit may be payable to the surviving spouse or eligible children. If the deceased was a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers free burial in a national cemetery and a headstone, plus a small burial allowance. Call 1-800-827-1000 to check eligibility.
Set up a Crowdfunding Effort to Get Help Paying for a Funeral
Crowdfunding is one of today’s most popular tools for raising funds for funerals. Popular platforms like GoFundMe allow you to share your story and ask for donations from friends, family, and generous strangers. Successful crowdfunding efforts take some work. We recommend referring to our article, “Using Crowdfunding for Funerals and Memorials,” for tips on how to run a campaign.
Turn to charitable organizations and nonprofits.
Religious organizations such as churches, synagogues, or mosques often have funds or can help organize collections. This is especially the case if the deceased or family were part of their community. If the deceased was a member of a fraternal organization or union, that group may be able to help. Local aid groups such as the Salvation Army may have programs to help when a death is unexpected. Check for chapters in your area.
Consider a Funeral Loan
If your financial strain is temporary, a funeral loan may be helpful. Funeralwise has partnered with LendingUSA to offer our visitors another option for financing funeral expenses: a low-cost funeral loan. If you would like to receive a no-obligation quote, click here.
Reach out to your personal contacts.
Don’t underestimate the power of your network. Friends and family may be willing to help with costs, organize a potluck memorial, or donate items such as flowers or a venue. A homemade service—at a park, in your home, or in a borrowed space—can be just as heartfelt as a formal one. Share stories, play their favorite music, or create a memory board to celebrate their life without spending much.
Final Thoughts on Getting Help to Pay for a Funeral
Funerals are for the living but are not the only way to say goodbye. If money is tight, focus on what feels right for you. Other options are to scatter ashes in a meaningful place (check local laws), planting a tree in their memory, or writing a letter to your loved one. Healing doesn’t require a big budget—just intention.
Losing someone unexpectedly is hard enough without the added stress of financial strain. The good news is that you have options when it comes to getting help to pay for a funeral. From free public assistance to creative, low-cost tributes, there are many ways to approach the problem. Reach out for help, whether it’s to a social worker, a friend, or a community group. People want to support you during this time. The price tag of the farewell doesn’t define your loved one’s legacy. Instead, it’s the love and memories you carry with you.
