Government Help Paying for a Funeral

What is the Social Security lump-sum death payment?

A one-time payment of $255 at most. Federal law (42 U.S.C. § 402(i)) sets it at three times the worker's primary insurance amount or $255, whichever is smaller, for a worker who was fully or currently insured under Social Security. Who gets it, and when to apply:

• First, a widow or widower who was living in the same household as the person who died.
• If there's no such person, a widow or widower entitled to Social Security benefits on the worker's record for the month of death.
• If neither applies, the children entitled to benefits on the worker's record for that month, in equal shares.
• Apply within two years of the death, unless the spouse was already getting spouse's benefits on the worker's record.

What burial benefits does the VA pay?

Up to $2,000 toward burial for a service-connected death, and smaller burial and plot allowances for some other veterans. The VA pays these to eligible survivors, or others who paid for a veteran's burial and funeral and won't be reimbursed by another organization. The veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged, and one of several conditions must apply, such as a service-connected death or getting a VA pension or compensation at the time of death. The maximums the VA lists:

What other VA burial benefits are there?

Rates for earlier dates of death, help with transportation to a national cemetery, and the free burial benefits in VA national cemeteries are explained on VeteranFunerals and on the VA's own page.

Can you save for a funeral while on SSI or Medicaid?

On SSI, yes: up to $1,500 set aside for the person's burial doesn't count as a resource. Medicaid rules on burial funds are set by each state, so ask your state Medicaid agency.

The SSI rule (20 CFR § 416.1231) excludes up to $1,500 set aside specifically for the person's burial expenses, and up to $1,500 for their spouse's. Burial spaces are excluded too. The $1,500 is reduced by the face value of certain life insurance policies and by amounts in irrevocable burial trusts or arrangements.

Are funeral expenses tax-deductible?

Not on your personal income tax return. The IRS says you can't include amounts you pay for funerals in medical expenses (Publication 502). Funeral expenses can be deducted from the gross estate on a federal estate tax return (26 U.S.C. § 2053), but that only matters for estates that have to file one.

Is FEMA COVID-19 funeral assistance still available?

No. FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program is closed to new applications. It covered funeral expenses incurred between January 20, 2020, and September 30, 2025.

Where else can a family ask for help?

• Look through the person's papers for a life insurance policy or a prepaid funeral plan.
• Ask the funeral home which local assistance programs families in your area use.
• Ask your county's human-services office whether it helps with burial or cremation costs.
• Pick a lower-cost arrangement. See how to have the cheapest funeral possible.
• Don't pay the person's other debts out of your own pocket to free up money. Family usually isn't responsible for them; the estate pays. See what happens to credit card debt when someone dies and who pays medical bills after a death.