Charities That Help With Funeral Costs for Adults

Losing someone we love is one of the hardest things in life. It brings a lot of sadness and stress. And on top of all that, sometimes there's a big financial worry: paying for the funeral. You might not know how much it costs to say goodbye properly. This article is here to give you information and point you to places that can help with funeral costs. We want to make this tough time a little easier for you.

Understanding the Cost of Funerals

Funerals can cost a lot. It's not just one big number; it's many different costs added together. Think of it like this: Imagine you're buying a car. You have the price of the car, but then you also have to pay for things like taxes, registration, and maybe new tires. Funerals are similar.

The average funeral in the United States can range from $7,000 to $12,000. That's a lot, right? Here's a breakdown of what makes up that cost:

• Funeral Home Services: This is what you pay the funeral home for their help. It includes things like:
• Basic services fee: This covers the funeral home's time and expertise.
• Preparing the body: This might include embalming, which is a way of preserving the body.
• Arranging the funeral service: This means setting up the place for the service, getting the staff, and coordinating everything.

Cemetery Costs: If you're having a burial, there are more costs:

• The plot: This is the space in the cemetery where the person will be buried.
• Opening and closing the grave: This is the cost of digging and filling in the grave.
• Casket: This is the box the body is placed in. Caskets can vary a lot in price, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
• Cremation: If you choose cremation, the costs are different:
• Cremation fee: This is the cost of the actual cremation process.
• Urn: This is the container that holds the ashes. Urns also come in many different styles and prices.

Other Costs: There are other things to think about, too:

• The funeral service: This could be at a church, a funeral home, or another place.
• Flowers: These can add a lot to the cost.
• Obituary: This is the announcement in the newspaper or online.
• Death certificates: You'll need several of these for legal reasons.

It's easy to see how all these costs add up. And when you're dealing with the loss of someone you love, money is probably the last thing you want to worry about. That's where charities and other programs can help.

Charities That Help With Funeral Costs

Thankfully, there are organizations that want to help people who are struggling with these costs. These charities understand that everyone deserves a respectful goodbye, no matter their financial situation. Here are a few examples:

The TEARS Foundation: While this organization primarily supports families who have lost a child, they sometimes have resources or connections that can assist with adult funeral expenses as well. They offer financial aid and emotional support. Their mission is to compassionately lift a financial burden.

Eligibility: While their primary focus is on the loss of a child, it's worth contacting them to see what resources they may have for adult funeral assistance.

Assistance Provided: The amount of assistance varies, and they also offer support groups and other resources.

Contact: You can find more information and contact details on The TEARS Foundation website.

Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA): This group doesn't give money directly. Instead, they help you find ways to have a more affordable funeral. They have information on your rights and how to work with funeral homes. They want to empower you to make good choices without spending too much.

Eligibility: Anyone can become a member of the Funeral Consumers Alliance.

Assistance Provided: They provide resources and information to help you plan a low-cost funeral.

Contact: Check out their website, funerals.org, for lots of helpful information.

Local Religious Organizations: Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious groups help their members with funeral costs. If the person who died was part of a religious community, talk to the leaders there. They may have funds or be able to help organize support from the community.

Eligibility: Typically, you need to be a member of the religious organization.

Assistance Provided: This varies a lot. Some may offer money, while others may provide the space for the service or help with other arrangements.

Contact: Contact the specific religious organization directly.

It's important to remember that each charity has its own rules about who it can help and how much help it can give. So, it's always best to contact them directly and explain your situation.

Government Assistance Programs

The government also has some programs that can help with funeral costs, though these often have specific requirements:

Social Security Death Benefit: If the person who died worked and paid into Social Security, their surviving spouse or certain family members may get a one-time payment of $255. This isn't a lot, but it can help a little.

Eligibility: The deceased must have earned enough work credits under Social Security.

Assistance Provided: A one-time payment of $255.

Contact: Visit the Social Security Administration website for details.

FEMA Funeral Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide help if someone dies as a result of a federally declared disaster. This could include things like hurricanes, floods, or other major events.

Eligibility: The death must be directly related to the disaster.

Assistance Provided: Varies depending on the situation, but it can help with costs like the casket, funeral service, and burial plot.

Contact: Check the FEMA website for current information on disaster relief.

To find out if you qualify for these programs, it's important to contact them directly. They can explain the rules and help you with the application process.

Additional Resources and Support

Besides charities and government programs, here are some other places that may be able to help:

Local Funeral Homes: Some funeral homes offer lower-cost options, like direct cremation or basic burial services. Don't be afraid to talk to them about your budget. They may be willing to work with you. Look for funeral homes that are transparent about their pricing.

Crowdfunding: Websites like GoFundMe allow you to raise money from friends, family, and even strangers. This can be a good way to get help quickly. When you create a fundraiser, be sure to tell your story clearly and honestly.

Grief Support: Losing someone is very painful. Remember to take care of yourself, too. Many local organizations and online resources offer grief counseling and support groups. These can help you deal with the emotional side of loss.

Tips for Planning an Affordable Funeral

Planning a funeral doesn't have to be extremely expensive. Here are some things you can do to keep costs down:

Compare prices: Just like you would for any other major purchase, get quotes from several funeral homes.

Consider cremation: Cremation is often less expensive than burial.

Keep it simple: You don't need a fancy casket or an elaborate service. A simple, meaningful goodbye is often the best.

Use a private venue: Having the service at your home, a park, or a place of worship can be less expensive than using the funeral home.

Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask family and friends to help with things like flowers, music, or food. People often want to help but don't know what to do.

Conclusion

Losing a loved one is always hard. Worrying about how to pay for the funeral shouldn't make it even harder. Remember, there are resources available to help. Charities, government programs, and local organizations want to support you during this difficult time.

If you're facing this situation, please reach out. Contact the charities and organizations mentioned in this article. Talk to funeral homes about their affordable options. You are not alone. Help is available. Sharing this article may help someone else find the assistance they need.