Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in Louisiana

Last updated September 6, 2026

Losing a loved one is devastating, and the unexpected cost of a funeral — often $7,000 or more — can create serious financial hardship for Louisiana families. Several real government programs and nonprofit resources exist to help cover burial, cremation, and final-expense costs, but they vary by circumstance: whether the death was disaster-related, whether the deceased was a veteran, whether the family receives public benefits, or whether the person died without any resources at all.

In Louisiana, the fastest way to identify what you may qualify for is to call 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211). Trained specialists can connect you with parish-level burial assistance programs, local funeral funds run by faith communities or nonprofits, and state agency contacts — resources that vary significantly from Caddo Parish to Orleans Parish to rural Acadiana. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) also administers several benefits programs that intersect with end-of-life needs.

If the death occurred in a declared federal disaster, FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program has ended, but future disaster declarations may again trigger FEMA funeral aid — always check DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 after any major disaster. For ongoing situations, the programs below represent your most reliable starting points.

Key programs in Louisiana

FEMA Funeral Assistance (Disaster-Designated Deaths Only)

Reimburses funeral and burial expenses for deaths directly caused by a presidentially declared disaster. Past programs have covered costs such as casket or urn, burial plot, funeral home services, and transportation of remains. Benefit amounts and eligibility rules are set per disaster declaration.

How to access: Apply only after a presidential disaster declaration that includes funeral assistance. Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov. You must register and submit a death certificate linking the cause of death to the disaster event.

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

Eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance, plot or interment allowance, and — for those who qualify — free burial in a national cemetery. Veterans who died of a service-connected condition or while receiving VA care may receive higher allowances. The VA also provides a free headstone or marker.

How to access: Apply using VA Form 21P-530EZ at VA.gov/burials-memorials or contact the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-877-838-5822. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and Alexandria VA Health Care System can also connect families to burial counselors.

Louisiana Medicaid (Louisiana Department of Health)

Louisiana Medicaid does not directly pay funeral costs, but it may cover hospice and palliative care services at end of life, which can reduce out-of-pocket medical bills for terminally ill residents. Medicaid's PACE program (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) and hospice benefit are available for those who qualify.

How to access: Apply for Medicaid at LDH.la.gov or through your local DCFS office. To find hospice providers covered by Louisiana Medicaid, call the Louisiana Department of Health at 1-888-342-6207.

Social Security Administration — Lump-Sum Death Payment

A one-time payment of $255 to the surviving spouse or eligible dependent children of a deceased Social Security-covered worker. This is a small but guaranteed federal benefit that can offset some immediate funeral costs.

How to access: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA.gov. You must apply — it is not paid automatically. Bring the deceased's Social Security number and death certificate.

2-1-1 Louisiana — Local Burial & Funeral Assistance Referrals

2-1-1 Louisiana connects callers to parish-level burial assistance funds, faith-based funeral help, nonprofit emergency financial aid, and Louisiana DCFS emergency assistance programs. Availability and amounts vary by parish and change over time, so a live referral is the most reliable way to find current local options.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (24/7), text your zip code to 898-211, or search online at 211la.org. Specialists speak English and Spanish and can assist with TTY.

Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for Louisiana

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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