Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in California

Last updated September 11, 2026

Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and unexpected funeral and burial costs can add serious financial stress at the worst possible time. In California, several public programs and benefits can help cover or offset end-of-life expenses for low-income families, Medi-Cal recipients, and veterans — but they are often not well advertised and must be applied for quickly after a death occurs.

California's 58 counties each administer a county-funded indigent burial program for residents who die without the means to cover funeral costs and whose families cannot afford them. Eligibility rules and covered amounts vary by county, so acting quickly and contacting your county's Department of Public Health or Human Services is essential — often within days of the death. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to the right county office if you are unsure where to start.

Beyond county programs, federal benefits through the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and FEMA's funeral assistance program (available for COVID-19-related deaths) may also provide partial reimbursement. A hospital social worker, hospice social worker, or local Area Agency on Aging can help you identify every benefit a family may qualify for during this difficult time.

Key programs in California

County Indigent Burial Program (California Counties)

Pays for basic cremation or burial when a deceased person had no funds and no family able to cover costs. Each of California's 58 counties operates its own version of this program with varying income limits and covered services.

How to access: Contact the deceased person's county Department of Public Health or Human Services as soon as possible after death — deadlines can be very short. Call 2-1-1 and say 'indigent burial' to be routed to the correct county office.

Social Security Administration — Lump-Sum Death Payment

A one-time payment of $255 to a surviving spouse or, in some cases, a dependent child of a deceased Social Security-insured worker. It is not intended to cover full funeral costs but can offset them.

How to access: Apply by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office. Apply within two years of the date of death. The survivor must have been living with or receiving benefits on the worker's record.

VA Burial Benefits (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Eligible veterans may qualify for burial allowances, a burial flag, and, if space is available, interment at no cost in a national cemetery such as Sacramento Valley, Riverside, or San Francisco National Cemetery. Allowance amounts vary based on whether the death was service-connected and whether the veteran was receiving VA care.

How to access: Apply online at VA.gov, call 1-800-827-1000, or contact a VA-accredited claims agent or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) in California such as the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) at 1-844-693-4327.

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Reimburses funeral expenses for deaths that occurred in the United States after January 20, 2020, that were caused by or likely caused by COVID-19. Covers expenses such as funeral services, cremation, burial plots, and related costs up to a capped amount set by FEMA.

How to access: Apply by calling FEMA directly at 1-844-684-6333 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). You will need a death certificate listing COVID-19 as a cause, funeral expense receipts, and proof of citizenship. Do not apply online — phone applications only.

Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) — Estate Recovery and Funeral Planning Guidance

While Medi-Cal does not pay funeral costs directly, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers the Medi-Cal Estate Recovery Program, which can affect a deceased recipient's estate. Families should understand this program before settling an estate. Additionally, social workers can help Medi-Cal patients access hospice and palliative care benefits covered under Medi-Cal.

How to access: Contact the DHCS Estate Recovery unit at 1-800-952-5253 for questions about estate claims. For hospice enrollment under Medi-Cal, speak with a hospital or home health social worker, or contact your county Medi-Cal office.

Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for California

GriefShare

Nationwide

Grief recovery support groups meeting in communities nationwide.

Visit

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

Nationwide

24/7 support for families grieving the death of a military loved one.

1-800-959-8277
Visit

The Dougy Center

Nationwide

Support for children, teens, and families grieving a death, plus provider resources.

1-866-775-5683
Visit
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