How to pay for burial expenses when money is tight
After a loved one passes away, we’re confronted with the costs of funerals and memorials, as well as cremations or burials. In a state of grief, facing these challenges alone is hard. Added to the high cost of burial is the awkwardness of asking friends and family to help with funeral expenses. If you’d like a full breakdown of what these costs typically include, our guide to the cost of funeral services offers a detailed explanation.
People who use GoFundMe for funeral expenses find that it makes the process easier. It also gives grieving friends and family a place to share words of love and support.
Below are a few resources to consider when you need help with burial expenses. Crowdfunding can also supplement any other benefits you receive. We hope this helps during this difficult time.
How to pay for a funeral with no money
Losing someone you love is hard enough without facing steep funeral costs too. If you have not looked into what a funeral typically costs, the numbers add up fast. But don’t get discouraged. Even families without dedicated savings still have several paths forward.
Anyone can start a GoFundMe memorial fundraiser. There’s nothing to qualify for, so supporters can start giving as soon as you share the link.
If your loved one held a life insurance policy, check whether it includes a death benefit to cover burial expenses. The Social Security Administration also pays a one-time $255 death benefit (as of 2026) to a surviving spouse or child, if they qualify. State and local governments often help low-income families with burial costs, though what’s available depends on where you live.
Nonprofits can help too. Catholic Charities assists families broadly and the TEARS Foundation focuses specifically on infant and child loss. For a full list of organizations that help with funeral costs, see our guide to organizations that help with funeral expenses.
Resources for burial expense help
Life insurance policies
If your loved one had a life insurance policy, it may very well include a death benefit for burial expenses. Check with the life insurance company.
States and counties
States and counties sometimes assist citizens with burial expenses. In the US, these benefits can vary greatly from one state to the next. In many cases, assistance is offered to those with very low incomes. Check what funeral assistance your state offers.
Specific government assistance programs
People already receiving certain forms of government assistance, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA), State Blind Pension (SBP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and State Supplementary Payment (SSP) at the time of their death may receive financial assistance for burial on behalf of the state. If your loved one received aid from one of these assistance programs, check with the administrators to see what benefits are available.
If your loved one was receiving Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, contact the administrator about survivor benefits.
Death benefits are also available for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Crowdfunding to help with funeral costs
Even if you receive benefits or assistance from one of the resources or programs listed above, you may find that the support doesn’t fully cover the costs. Crowdfunding can help bridge the gap.
Another benefit of crowdfunding is that it saves you from asking each friend or family member individually. Just send your GoFundMe link by email or Facebook. Your GoFundMe can also become a place for friends and loved ones to share memories and support each other through this time.
Burial costs or cremation expenses are likely just one of the costs you’re facing, along with funeral or memorial services, costs related to settling the estate, and more. On your GoFundMe, make the full scope of funeral expenses clear. Crowdfunding can help cover memorial service costs, cemetery costs, funeral home costs, funeral services, burial assistance, funeral assistance, and more.
How GoFundMe can help with funeral expenses
GoFundMe has many resources available to help you as you deal with the death of a loved one. Here are a few:
- How to start a scholarship fund in memory of a loved one
- Funeral savings guide
- How do you pay for a funeral with no money?
- Funeral and memorial fundraising tips
There’s no need to reach the fundraiser’s total goal before withdrawing funds, so families are able to begin covering expenses as soon as donations come in. Get started and launch a fundraiser today.
How to pay for burial expenses FAQs
If you can’t cover funeral or burial costs upfront, you have a few options to explore. Check whether your loved one had a life insurance policy with a death benefit. You can also check with your state or county about local burial assistance. A GoFundMe fundraiser is another option. Anyone can start one, and supporters can give as soon as you share it. For specific nonprofits that can help and how to apply, see our guide to organizations that help with funeral expenses.
Yes. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule (as of 2026), funeral homes must give you a written price list if you ask, and let you pick only the services you actually want. Families can decline optional add-ons and choose more affordable alternatives. Direct cremation is typically the least expensive option. Comparing costs at two or three local providers can save you money.
GoFundMe has several guides to help families navigate funeral and burial costs. For a breakdown of typical funeral costs, see the GoFundMe guide to the cost of funeral services. For a full list of nonprofits and government programs that offer help, see the guide to organizations that help with funeral expenses. For broader financial assistance resources, see the GoFundMe emergency financial assistance guide.