What Can I Do if I Can’t Afford a Funeral?

Mourning the loss of someone you care about is hard enough without the added worry of how to pay for a funeral. The average cost of a funeral in 2021 was $7,850,¹ so it’s easy to understand the stress you may feel if you become responsible for a loved one’s funeral costs. To help you through any of the difficulties, we’ve gathered some tips on how to get help for funeral expenses, including how to get a funeral loan.

5 ways to pay for a funeral

1. Check their life insurance policy
   Probably the best way to pay for funeral expenses is with money that your loved one set aside for their family after they’re gone. If they named you as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy, you’ll receive a lump sum to pay for the funeral or any other survivors’ financial needs. However, you may not receive the payment in time to cover funeral expenses. In that case, bring the policy information to the funeral home. Many funeral providers are willing to handle the paperwork and communications to claim some of the benefit on their behalf. Most funeral homes are used to accepting life insurance from family members paying for funeral expenses.²

2. Research low-cost burial options
   Sticking to a budget on a funeral doesn’t mean you care less about your loved one. There are several good options for lower-cost funerals and burials. Don’t be afraid to shop around for funeral homes and negotiate prices. You can also talk with your funeral director about payment plans, deferring payment until after the will is sorted out and even resources that provide funeral financing options.
   
   Here are some low-cost, non-traditional burial options that may work for your family while better honoring the memory of your loved one:

   • A “green” burial. An environment-friendly—and less costly—option is a green burial. There’s no expensive casket or vault; instead, the body can be placed in a shroud or biodegradable casket. Embalming is not a part of the process, which also cuts costs while being better for the environment. The Green Burial Council can help you find green burial providers.
     
   • Choose a personalized location. Hold a memorial service instead of a funeral-home event. You can choose your location—at home, in a park, in your religious center or in any other meaningful place.
     
     
   • Provide your own casket. You aren't required to purchase a casket from the funeral home that is providing the service. You can purchase something from a third party or even make your own to help when paying for funeral expenses.
     
     
   • Skip embalming. If visitation is not something that’s important to your family, you can choose to save money on the embalming process. This option means burial can take place immediately and you can choose which type of memorial you prefer—the cemetery, the funeral home or somewhere personal.
     
     
   • Cremation. Cremation is generally more cost-effective than burials and may be a helpful way to pay for a funeral. Though prices vary, cremations through a funeral home typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. If you’re working directly with a crematory, the price may be less, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.³

3. Ask for help with funeral expenses from friends or family
   Wondering how to ask for help with funeral costs? Just be straightforward and don’t feel guilty. Funerals are a time for family and friends to pull together. Some may be more financially able to chip in—and that’s OK. Let everyone know how grateful you’ll be for any amount they can share.
   
   One possible method for pooling money is a GoFundMe account. It may seem unusual, but GoFundMe actually launches more than 125,000 memorial campaigns per year.⁴ Or you can simply send out a group text or email that you’re having trouble paying for funeral expenses and that every little bit helps and is appreciated.

4. Take out a funeral loan
   It’s possible to use a personal loan to pay for funeral expenses, also called a funeral loan. If you’re planning a traditional funeral with a casket, funeral home services and gravesite, you may need to pay providers up front or the day of the event. Additional funeral plans like travel and hotel only make the amount higher. By paying for funeral costs with a funeral loan, you can focus on what matters most and pay back the loan over time.

   If you need help paying for a funeral, we may be able to help. See if a funeral loan from OneMain could be the right option for you.

5. Ask for help from charitable or government organizations
   Was your loved one a member of the military? If so, you can apply for burial benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and they will reimburse eligible surviving spouses for burial and funeral expenses.
   
   Also, some states offer assistance paying for funerals and burials. Check with your county coroner’s office to find out if you qualify. You can also search for local or national nonprofit or religious organizations that offer help with paying for funeral expenses. Some national organizations include:

   • Children’s Burial Assistance
   • Funeral Consumers Alliance
   • Bureau of Indian Affairs, for indigenous people

Help is available when you need it

When you’re grieving, remember that resources are available to relieve the burden of managing funeral costs. We hope these tips have helped you navigate this difficult time or can help you plan ahead. Rest easy knowing you can turn your attention away from financial worry and instead celebrate a life lived.