There are government programs that will pay a portion of the funeral expenses of eligible individuals. Those programs include: the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and the Veteran’s Administration (VA).
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-burial-funds.htm
Some States allow an individual to pre-pay for their burial by contracting with a funeral home and paying in advance for their funeral. You should discuss this with your local Social Security office.
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
https://portal.ct.gov/dss/economic-security/economic-security—financial-assistance
DSS will pay up to $1,800, less any liquid assets in the deceased’s estate (such as money in the bank), life insurance, any funeral fund or prepaid funeral contract toward burial or cremation expenses of any individual with very limited means in Connecticut. There is no restriction; however, assets may offset all or part of the benefit.
To link to a copy of the “Application for Payment of Burial and Funeral Expenses” on the DSS website, link here: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DSS/Common-Applications/w-1053.pdf
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
For information on who is eligible, how much the VA pays, and how to apply, visit:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: Burial/Cremation Expense Assistance
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SOURCES: Connecticut Department of Social Services; Veteran’s Administration; Social Security Administration
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: July2024