How to Get Financial Help for Funerals (Affordable Funerals)

Funeral Costs

There are many ways to get financial assistance to cover a loved one's funeral costs. Using one or a combination of sources, funeral costs can be greatly reduced and made more affordable.

Instructions

1. Determine if the deceased person qualifies for any entitlements. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with your State Fund. Many people are entitled to get financial assistance with their funeral costs from these agencies if they qualify.

2. Discuss a payment plan with the Funeral Home and cemetery. Most funeral home and cemeteries provide short term and long term payment plans to cover all funeral expenses. Ask for an affordable plan to help with funeral expenses.

   Ask for funeral cost discounts from the Funeral home and from the cemetery. Discounts can be obtained for many expenses; including caskets, obituaries, flowers.

3. Review all insurance policies the deceased person has; including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral related costs. Also, find out if the person has an insurance policy for funeral and burial costs.

4. Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area. For example Catholics Charities provide assistance with funeral expenses for families. Look for a local chapter and determine if you qualify for the assistance.