Getting Financial Help
$ Finding the Funds $
Life’s End Options (LEO) does not provide direct financial assistance. Instead, this page offers information and guidance on where to find financial help for end-of-life costs. As we identify new programs, benefits, or resources that may offer assistance, we will continue to add them here.
The Deceased's Estate
Financial help may already exist—you just have to find it. Benefits such as life insurance or death benefits are sometimes tied to a bank account, employer, union, or private policy. Look carefully for paperwork, including receipts or contracts with funeral homes or cemeteries. Don’t overlook wallet cards or small documents with “who to call” information.
If the deceased was a veteran or married to one, visit our Veterans page to learn about burial and memorial benefits that may apply.
Ask a Friend to Help
When people ask how they can help, here’s one concrete answer: ask them to make phone calls. Many end-of-life services still require speaking with real people—not just searching online.
Paying less does not mean accepting lower quality. The Pricing & Paying section of this site explains how to compare providers and reduce costs, but it takes time, persistence, and often a few phone calls. Those calls can save thousands of dollars.
Social Security
As of 2023, Social Security pays a one-time death benefit of $255 to an eligible spouse or dependent child. Details and eligibility requirements are available on Social Security’s Survivors Benefits page.
Unclaimed Remains & Government Assistance
When someone dies and no one takes responsibility for the remains, they are considered unclaimed (formerly called “indigent”). In these cases, the coroner or medical examiner arranges disposition—usually through a county-funded burial or cremation program.
Officials attempt to locate next of kin, but if no one is found—or if the family cannot afford the costs—the remains are handled according to local policy. This is done respectfully, but there is typically no return of ashes and no cost to the family.
For more information, see Funeralocity’s Guide to Getting State Government Assistance for a Funeral.
Victims Assistance
Each state operates its own victims assistance programs, many of which include funeral and burial aid for deaths resulting from crime.
Victim Connect offers resources for victims and families, including an interactive map to locate assistance programs in every U.S. state and territory.