Phone
(800) 973-1540

How do we deal with the expenses associated with the cost of burying my mother when her life insurance policy doesn't cover everything?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My mother has recently died and we have no plot/grave to bury her.  I have a 2 part question.  What should I say when people ask if I need anything?  What happens when the life insurance policy doesn't cover everything?

Expert Answer

Steve Weisman hosts the nationally syndicated radio show A Touch of Grey, heard on more than 50 stations, including WABC in New York City and KRLA in Los Angeles. He is a practicing lawyer specializing in estate planning and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He's a public speaker and commentator who has appeared on many radio and television shows throughout the country, and he's the legal editor of Talkers magazine, the preeminent trade publication of talk radio. His latest book is The Truth About Avoiding Scams.

If the life insurance policy or other assets of your mother are not sufficient to pay for her burial, there are some other sources for assistance in this dire time.

Social Security may provide some assistance. If either of your parents was in the military, you should consider contacting the Veteran's Administration. She may be eligible for free burial in one of the Veteran's Administration national cemeteries. Private social agencies such as the Red Cross and the United Way may also be of help in guiding you to a program that may provide assistance. Finally, burial expenses for financially eligible people are often provided by your state's Department of Health Services.