Veterans Affairs

• Qualified military veterans may be eligible for some free funeral benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Spouses and dependents of a veteran may also be eligible for burial benefits. The agency will not pay for any services performed by a funeral home but will provide a gravesite and marker. The family must pay for the casket and the preparation of the body for the burial. Inquire about benefits by calling 800-827-1000.
  
  

Social Services

• Social services departments run by counties can offer information about local government resources for help with funeral bills. However, county payments for funeral expenses are almost always reserved for special cases, such as a body that was discovered by police and never identified or claimed. A local organization such as the United Way or Salvation Army can provide the telephone number for the nearest social services office.
  
  

Local Charities

• The United Way, Urban League and other charities can also offer information about private sources of help with funeral bills. Charitable organizations know about churches and private donors willing to help with funeral bills when there are no known family members or the family cannot afford to contribute.
  
  

Social Security

• The Social Security Administration does not make direct payments for funerals. However, a surviving child or spouse may be eligible for a one-time payment of $255 following the death of a person who was receiving Social Security benefits. That won't pay for a funeral but could act as a start. Also, Social Security expressly forbids families from continuing to receive the deceased's Social Security paychecks, even if the intent is to use the money to help pay for funeral costs. Social Security reports that monthly benefits end immediately upon a person's death. Money received from Social Security in the month of a person's death are required to be returned by family members. No other federal agencies pay funeral benefits. Contact Social Security at 800-772-1213.
  
  

Funeral Homes

• Many funeral homes offer financing through third-party lenders, but the interest rates can be high. An installment loan through a bank or credit union will almost always offer a better interest rate.