Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in Illinois

Last updated September 6, 2026

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences a family can face, and the financial burden of funeral and burial costs can make an already painful time even more overwhelming. In Illinois, several public programs and benefit systems may help cover or offset these expenses for qualifying families, including state-administered burial assistance, federal veterans' benefits, and Social Security death benefits.

Eligibility rules, covered amounts, and application steps vary by program and individual circumstance. The fastest way to find out which programs you or your family may qualify for is to call 2-1-1 Illinois (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211), where trained specialists can connect you with local funeral assistance funds, community nonprofits, and county-level resources that are not always easy to find online.

If the death involved someone who was enrolled in Medicaid, was a veteran, or was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), specific federal and state programs may apply automatically — so it is important to notify those agencies promptly after a death occurs. A hospital social worker, hospice social worker, or your county's Department of Human Services office can also help you navigate next steps at no cost.

Key programs in Illinois

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) — Burial Assistance

Illinois offers state-funded burial assistance for low-income individuals who have died without sufficient resources to cover funeral and burial costs. This program is administered through county-level IDHS offices and is intended to ensure a dignified burial for those who qualify. Coverage and amounts are determined at the county level and subject to income and asset limits.

How to access: Contact your local IDHS Family Community Resource Center as soon as possible after the death, ideally before funeral arrangements are finalized, as the program often requires prior approval. Find your local office at dhs.illinois.gov or by calling 2-1-1 Illinois.

Social Security Administration — Lump-Sum Death Payment

A one-time payment of $255 may be available to the surviving spouse or eligible children of a deceased Social Security-insured worker. While modest, this benefit is a federal entitlement for those who qualify and can be applied toward funeral costs.

How to access: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your nearest SSA office. Apply as soon as possible after the death; there are strict time limits. You will need the deceased's Social Security number and proof of your relationship.

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

Veterans who meet service and discharge requirements may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery at no cost, a burial allowance to help offset funeral expenses, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on factors such as whether the death was service-connected and whether the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation.

How to access: Contact the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) at 1-800-437-9824 or visit veterans.illinois.gov to connect with a Veterans Service Officer who can assist with claims at no charge. You can also apply directly through the VA at va.gov/burials-memorials or call 1-800-827-1000.

Medicaid Estate Recovery and Final Expense Guidance (Illinois HFS)

If your loved one was enrolled in Illinois Medicaid (administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services), certain funeral-related costs may be protected from estate recovery claims. Additionally, if the deceased was receiving SSI, the Social Security Administration should be notified immediately, as some individuals may have had burial funds set aside in an SSI-exempt burial account.

How to access: Contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) at 1-800-226-0768 or visit hfs.illinois.gov. For SSI-related burial fund questions, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A county IDHS caseworker can also help coordinate between agencies.

2-1-1 Illinois — Local Funeral and Grief Support Referrals

2-1-1 Illinois connects callers to local nonprofit organizations, faith-based programs, community foundations, and county resources that may offer emergency funeral assistance grants, cremation assistance, or grief counseling. Availability of these local programs varies by county and changes over time, making 2-1-1 the most reliable way to find currently active resources near you.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Illinois, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org. Interpreters are available for non-English speakers.

Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for Illinois

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
← Back to the full Community Resource Directory