Is public assistance available to cover funeral costs? My...
Answers
Is there public assistance for funeral costs? Since I run the Funeral Help hot line I get this question several times daily and wish I could give you a more solid answer than "Maybe". Most states and some cities have an Indigent Burial Fund (or something similar) to assist those who die without assets for a funeral. You can call your local Social Services and inquire, but here comes that 'maybe' I mentioned earlier!
Many states are having to cut budgets due to deficits. Even those that fund assistance do not have unlimited resources so ... the later in the fiscal year we get and the more people applying for funds due to the economy, the less likely there will be funds available. Some states have gone to assistance for cremation only, due to the more reasonable costs. If this is the case, call 1-800-CREMATE and ask for the number of a Cremation SOCIETY near you. Through one of these societies you can likely get everything done within the assistance provided by the state. If the deceased was a veteran, contact the VA as there might be some assistance there.
