If you cannot afford a funeral, say that clearly before signing anything. Funeral homes must give price information, and you have the right to choose only the goods and services you want.
The lowest-cost options are usually direct cremation, direct burial, body donation if available, or county/public assistance when no one can pay. Do not sign a funeral contract until you understand who is personally responsible.
- Ask for the General Price List before making choices.
- Check veterans, Social Security, union, employer, county, and faith/community help.
- If there is an estate, ask whether funeral costs can be reimbursed later.
Lowest-Cost Options to Ask About
- Direct cremation: cremation without viewing or ceremony through the funeral home.
- Direct burial: burial without embalming or formal service.
- Memorial later: a gathering at home, a park, a faith community, or online after disposition.
- Body donation: possible in some areas, but not guaranteed and often time-sensitive.
- County or public assistance: available in some places when no one can pay or claim responsibility.
Use the Funeral Cost Calculator to compare basic options.
Benefits and Assistance to Check
Veterans benefits: VA burial allowances may help eligible payers with burial, funeral, plot, interment, and transportation costs. Eligibility, amounts, and deadlines depend on the Veteran's status and circumstances of death.
Social Security: Certain eligible survivors may receive a one-time lump-sum death payment, but it is limited and will not cover most funeral costs.
Other help: Check employer death benefits, union benefits, life insurance, church or community funds, crime victim compensation if relevant, and local county indigent burial programs.
Before You Sign a Funeral Contract
- Ask for the General Price List.
- Ask for the direct cremation and direct burial prices.
- Ask which items are required by law and which are optional.
- Ask whether you will be personally liable or whether the estate can be billed.
- Do not agree to upgrades because you feel rushed or guilty.
For a broader planning walkthrough, see How to Plan a Funeral.
Benefit amounts and eligibility can change. Verify current Social Security, VA, county, employer, and insurance rules before relying on any payment source.