Programs that Help Pay For a Funeral

Types of Funeral Assistance Programs

• Government Aid: Some states (in Utah: County governments) offer simple cremation for low-income families who have no resources. Veterans get more assistance here.

• Non-Profit Organizations: Nationwide Funeral Consumers Alliance provide resources to reduce costs and find money. They have o funds to pay for services you buy.

• Religious or Community Groups: Churches and community centers may have funds or programs to assist members. They usually help with only part of the costs.

• Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time payment of $255 for surviving dependents. Now there is a Utah program for dependents under age 18 that offer more.

  
  

Knowing what’s out there is the first step to getting help.

Funeral home entrance with floral arrangements

How to Find Funeral Assistance Programs Near You

1. Contact Non-Profits: Organizations like the Funeral Consumers Alliance not only guide you through general options but even specifics, like in this nationwide survey of funeral assistance programs.

2. Look for Veteran Benefits: Honorably discharged veterans get FREE burial at National and State Veterans' Cemeteries. Free burial often includes a grave plot, vault, opening and closing, marker, and setting fee. Spouses of veterans can get burial for under about $850 plus the cost of a vault. Check out Utah's Veteran Cemetery & Memorial Park or call 801-254-9036 for more info.

3. Check with Local Government Offices: Social services may have info on available aid, like crime victims reparations funds or County funded indigent disposition.

4. Visit State Websites: Some states list funeral assistance programs online. Utah doesn't. Families that call 211 will be referred to UtahFunerals.org

5. Ask your Mortician: If the body is already in the possession of a funeral home tell them what you can/can't afford. If they don't know about ways to reduce cost or won't refer you to indigent services call Funeral Consumer Alliance's help line 801-368-5884

   
   

Tips for Applying

• Gather important documents like death certificates, proof of income, and identification (DD214 if a veteran).

• Slow down. If you are being pressured by a hospital to move fast tell them you will not be forced into a contractual agreement under duress.

• Using online crowdfunding such as GoFundMe or GiveSendGo from receiving reparations through the Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC). However, crowdfunding funds can affect how much money UOVC will pay out. For example, if an individual has $5,000 in qualifying funeral or medical bills and receives $3,000 from a GoFundMe designated for those exact bills, UOVC can only cover the remaining $2,000.

• Many funeral homes won't perform services until you pay.

  
  

Many families rush to buy a funeral and burial leaving them in crippling debt, so ask yourself if your deceased loved one would want that for you. If the answer is no then seek courage and support from those who will help you buy only what you can afford.

Cemetery with headstones and floral tributes

Practical Tips for Saving on Funeral Costs

Funerals don't have to be expensive. But if someone in the family feels an emotional need to buy the whole shebang, costs can add up quickly. Between the casket, service fees, transportation, even cremation alone, expenses can skyrocket. Add to that a whole body burial and expenses can be out of this world. Here are some smart ways to keep costs down without sacrificing dignity:

• Consider Direct Cremation (save $8K) or Burial (save $5K): Direct body disposition simply switches the order of a dignified final farewell. This means burial or cremation comes first, and the gathering to hold a service is held after. Instead of a body-centric service, a photo of your loved one can be the focal point amongst flowers.

• Shop Around: Funeral home prices vary. Don’t be afraid to compare. Compare prices in Utah to find the best deal and what the add-ons come to comparison shopping.

• DIY Memorials: Hosting the service at home or in a community space saves the $400 a funeral home charges to be present.

• Use Prepaid Plans: Your loved one may have prepurchased a final disposition in order to qualify for Medicare. Find that paperwork and use that funeral home.

• Buy Online: Instead of buying an overpriced casket from a mortuary, consider a locally made one for under $1K. You can also find urns on Etsy or Amazon or memorial stones from online sources (just make sure the cemetery accepts in writing those measurements and materials before you buy).

  
  

Combining these tips with available assistance, you can create a meaningful farewell that fits your budget. If you want to dive deeper into your funeral shopping tips, see our guide.

Taking the Next Step with Confidence

Planning a funeral on a tight budget is never easy, but it is possible. With the right information, you can find ways to ease the financial load. Remember, the goal is to honor your loved one and that doesn't mean "break the bank".

Take a deep breath. Start by exploring the UtahFunerals.org financial aid page, gather your documents, and reach out for help. You’re not alone, and there are people who care.

You can give your loved one a meaningful, affordable farewell, and you deserve peace of mind. Let’s make that happen together.