Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in Missouri

Last updated September 11, 2026

Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and unexpected funeral costs can add serious financial stress during an already painful time. Missouri residents may qualify for several programs that help cover burial, cremation, and end-of-life expenses — including state-administered Medicaid benefits, federal veterans' burial programs, and county-level indigent burial assistance. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary, so acting quickly is important, as many programs require applications before or shortly after burial arrangements are made.

If you're unsure where to start, calling 2-1-1 Missouri (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211) is one of the best first steps. Trained specialists can connect you with local funeral assistance funds, nonprofit burial programs, and county resources that aren't widely advertised. Missouri's 114 counties each administer some end-of-life services differently, so local knowledge matters enormously.

For older adults or those approaching the end of life who need help with advance planning — including hospice navigation, Medicaid spend-down, or connecting family caregivers to support — Missouri's network of Area Agencies on Aging can provide guidance. Reach them through the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or at eldercare.acl.gov.

Key programs in Missouri

Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) — Burial Assistance

MO HealthNet, Missouri's Medicaid program, may cover a limited burial or cremation benefit for individuals who were receiving Medicaid at the time of death and meet asset and income requirements. County Family Support Division offices administer these benefits. Benefit amounts and rules are set by the state and subject to change.

How to access: Contact your local Missouri Family Support Division (FSD) office as soon as possible after the death. You can find your local FSD office through the Missouri Department of Social Services website at dss.mo.gov or by calling 2-1-1 Missouri.

County Indigent Burial Programs (Missouri)

Each Missouri county is responsible for providing burial or cremation for residents who die without the financial means to cover funeral costs and without family able to pay. The county may contract with local funeral homes to provide basic services. This is a program of last resort and generally covers only minimal, dignified disposition of remains.

How to access: Contact your county's presiding commissioner's office, county health department, or county clerk. You can also ask 2-1-1 Missouri (dial 2-1-1) to identify the correct contact for the specific county where the person died, as these offices vary by county.

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

The VA provides burial and memorial benefits for eligible veterans, including a burial allowance toward funeral and burial costs, a plot or interment allowance, and free burial in a national cemetery (such as Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery near St. Louis or Missouri Veterans Cemetery system). Headstones, markers, and Presidential Memorial Certificates are also available at no cost.

How to access: Apply through the VA's website at va.gov/burials-memorials or call 1-800-827-1000. Funeral homes often assist with VA claims. For national cemetery scheduling, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

Social Security Administration (SSA) — Lump-Sum Death Payment

The SSA offers a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to the surviving spouse or, in some cases, eligible surviving children of a deceased Social Security-insured worker. While modest, this benefit can help offset immediate costs.

How to access: Apply by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local SSA office. Applications must generally be filed within two years of the date of death.

2-1-1 Missouri — Local Funeral & Grief Support Referrals

2-1-1 Missouri connects callers to a wide range of local resources including charitable funeral funds operated by nonprofits or faith communities, grief counseling services, and emergency financial assistance programs that may help with end-of-life costs. Availability varies by region across the state.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or search online at mo.211.org. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day in multiple languages.

Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for Missouri

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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