Key takeaways

  • Medicare does not cover the costs associated with cremation or other funeral and burial services.
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a one-time payment of $255 that can be put toward cremation expenses.
  • In addition to the SSA benefit, explore options such as state and federal burial assistance, life insurance policies, veteran’s benefits, and online fundraising to help cover cremation costs.

While Medicare does not cover funeral benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a $255 lump sum death benefit to a surviving spouse or child of the deceased. This benefit can help pay for cremation services, although it will not cover the entire amount.

Some states offer burial assistance programs that can also help pay for cremation expenses.

This article examines the cost of cremations, savings options to consider, and resources you can explore to help cover these costs.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the rate of cremation is rising in the United States, with a projected increase of 1.3% since 2023, leading to a rate of 61.9% for 2024. In comparison, burial rates for 2024 are expected to decrease by 1.3% to 33.2%.

The increased preference for cremation is thought to be influenced by environmental concerns, fewer religious requirements, and cost.

The cost of cremation in the United States ranges from $795 to $3,200, depending on your location, type of cremation, and the funeral home or cremation provider you choose.

Factors that affect the cost of cremation include:

  • Location: The cost of cremation services depends on where you live. For example, it may cost more in rural areas than in urban areas.
  • Cremation provider: Funeral homes often have different pricing structures. It may be worthwhile to research and compare costs.
  • Cremation options: The cost of cremation varies according to the type of cremation you choose. Direct cremation, which doesn’t offer a funeral service, is less expensive than traditional cremation, which includes a funeral service and viewing.
  • Optional services: Additional fees may be added for services such as transportation, urns, or caskets. Check with your cremation service provider to make sure all costs are included when considering pricing options.
  • Administrative fees: Obtaining necessary permits, filling out the death certificate, and any other legal documentation may also increase your final cost. Make sure these potential costs are included in your estimate.

Compare cremation rules, regulations, and costs by state

You can use this online tool to find reference guides that include the different rules, regulations, and cost of cremations for each state.

While Medicare does not cover funeral and cremation costs, there are other financial assistance options worth pursuing. These include:

  • SSA lump sum death benefit: Social Security provides a $255 death benefit that can be used to cover cremation expenses. You can apply for this benefit by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office.
  • Final expense insurance: You can purchase final expense life insurance that covers end-of-life expenses, including funeral and cremation costs.
  • Term life insurance: Depending on your plan, most term life insurance policies cover the cost of funerals and cremation. You’ll want to set this up in advance when purchasing your plan.
  • Whole life insurance: A whole life insurance plan provides a death benefit payment to beneficiaries.
  • Employee life insurance: Most employee benefit plans provide a death benefit payment to the employee’s family or a named beneficiary. You can check to see whether the deceased’s employee life insurance plan includes this benefit.
  • State burial assistance programs: Some states provide financial assistance programs that can help pay for burial and cremation services for families with low income. You can use this online guide to find out what financial assistance programs for burials are offered in your state.
  • Department of Social Services: Another good resource is your Department of Social Services. You can ask if it offers state or local burial assistance. You can use this online tool to locate your state’s human service agency.
  • Veteran’s Administration burial benefits: If the person who died was a veteran, the Veteran’s Administration may offer funeral benefits.
  • Fundraising sites: You can use online sites like GoFundMe, Indiegogo, or Kickstarter to post a tribute to the person who has died and include a fundraising button to request donations to cover cremation expenses.
  • Churches and religious groups: Some churches and religious groups provide burial or cremation services for those who can’t afford them. You can check with local faith organizations to see whether they provide benefits for people who are in this position.
  • Funeral loans: You may be able to take out a personal loan to help pay for cremation expenses.

Medicare does not cover the cost of funeral and burial services, including cremation.

The SSA provides a one-time lump payment of $255 that can be used towards cremation costs.

You can also explore other financial assistance resources, such as federal and state burial assistance programs.