State burial assistance: where to find help.

State burial assistance — sometimes called “indigent burial,” “pauper’s burial,” or “burial fund” programs — is a public-benefit program that helps cover the cost of a basic funeral or cremation for low-income individuals. The programs are run almost entirely at the county or city level, even when funded partly by state or federal dollars.

Two basic models:

• Direct payment to a funeral home — the county pays the funeral home directly for a basic burial or cremation, up to a state or county-set maximum. This is the most common model.
• Reimbursement to the family — the family pays for the funeral, then submits receipts and the county reimburses up to a maximum.

In both cases, the program covers a basic funeral — typically direct cremation or simple burial. Upgrades (caskets above a basic level, viewing services, fancy markers) are not covered.

Eligibility varies by state and county, but most programs use one or more of these tests:

• The deceased was receiving Medicaid, SSI, or other means-tested public benefits at the time of death — often automatic qualification.
• The deceased had limited assets — typically less than $1,500–$3,000 in total estate value.
• The family’s income falls below a threshold — often tied to federal poverty guidelines (e.g., 100% to 200% of FPL).
• No relative is willing or able to pay — typically requires sworn statement.
• Insurance and other resources are insufficient — the program is generally a payer of last resort.

Documentation requirements typically include the death certificate, the deceased’s most recent tax return or benefit award letter, and a statement of family income. Funeral homes that handle these cases regularly will know the local paperwork.

Awards range from $500 to $3,000 in most states, with cremation typically funded fully and burial requiring family co-payment because the cost exceeds the program’s cap.

Sample of typical award ranges:

• California — varies by county; Los Angeles County funds direct cremation at no cost; San Francisco County funds up to $1,000.
• New York — up to $1,700 burial; up to $900 for cremation (NYC HRA Burial Assistance program).
• Texas — Title XX program; varies by county; typical $1,000–$2,500.
• Florida — varies widely by county; Miami-Dade funds basic cremation; many other counties fund $750–$1,500.
• Illinois — up to $1,103 funeral allowance, $552 burial allowance via DHS Funeral and Burial Assistance.
• Pennsylvania — up to $750 burial assistance via county Department of Human Services.
• Ohio — varies by county; typically $750–$2,000.

Programs adjust amounts periodically. The county social services office is the authoritative source for current numbers.

1. Search online for “[your county] indigent burial program” or “[your state] burial assistance.” This typically lands you on the county social services page.
2. Call the county social services office. Phone is usually faster than online forms; many counties want intake by phone first. Ask: “What burial or funeral assistance is available, and what do I need to apply?”
3. Tell the funeral home you may qualify for assistance before signing anything. Many funeral homes (especially smaller, family-run ones) handle these cases regularly and can advance the paperwork.
4. Gather documentation — death certificate, deceased’s benefits award letters or last tax return, family income statement, sworn declaration that no other party will pay.
5. Apply within the deadline. Most programs require application within 30 to 60 days of death. Some allow longer. Late applications are rarely approved.
6. Combine with other benefits. State burial assistance does not preclude SSA $255, VA burial benefits, or crowdfunding. Apply for everything.

California

Programs run by the county. Los Angeles County offers fully-funded direct cremation through the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s indigent burial service. San Francisco County offers up to $1,000 in burial assistance through the Human Services Agency.

New York

NYC: Burial Assistance program through the Human Resources Administration (HRA), up to $1,700 burial / $900 cremation, applied for via Form M-860w. Outside NYC: programs run by county Department of Social Services, vary widely.

Texas

Title XX Funeral Assistance program funded through Texas Health and Human Services and administered at the county level. Typical award $1,000–$2,500. Apply through county Department of Human Services or 211 Texas helpline.

Florida

No statewide program. Each county runs its own. Search county social services or call 211. Miami-Dade and Broward have established indigent cremation programs.

Pennsylvania

$750 burial assistance through the Department of Human Services. Eligibility requires the deceased was receiving cash assistance or Medicaid at time of death, or family meets income test.

Other states

Every state has something. The naming varies (“General Assistance Burial,” “Indigent Burial Fund,” “Funeral Allowance,” “Burial Reimbursement”). The contact is always the local county social services or human services office.

Family income above the program threshold? Asset above the cap? Several other paths exist.

• Religious or community charity — many religious congregations have a burial fund for members and sometimes for non-members in the community.
• Funeral home payment plans — many homes offer financing. See our funeral loan guide.
• Crowdfunding — see funeral crowdfunding for setup.
• Direct cremation — even the cheapest assistance program covers direct cremation; if you can’t qualify but can self-pay $1,500 to $2,500, this is the cheapest dignified option.
• Body donation to medical science — arranged before death, most programs cremate the remains at no cost and return them to the family. After-death donation is harder to arrange.