Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in Washington
Last updated September 27, 2026
Losing a loved one is devastating, and the cost of a funeral can add overwhelming financial stress at the worst possible moment. Washington state residents may qualify for several forms of assistance to help cover burial, cremation, or other end-of-life expenses, depending on the deceased person's circumstances and the family's income. Knowing where to start can make a real difference.
Washington's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) administers a state-funded Indigent Burial program for eligible low-income residents, and county-level human services offices may also provide or coordinate burial assistance. Veterans and their families have separate, meaningful benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are unsure which programs apply to your situation, calling 2-1-1 Washington is often the fastest first step — trained navigators can connect you to local funeral assistance funds, nonprofit organizations, and county resources you might not find on your own.
Beyond financial help, end-of-life planning also includes advance directives, hospice care access through Medicaid (Apple Health in Washington), and grief support services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis during bereavement, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by call or text.
Key programs in Washington
Washington DSHS Indigent Burial Assistance
Provides limited state funding to help cover the cost of burial or cremation for low-income individuals who have died with insufficient resources to cover final expenses. County DSHS offices administer the program and determine eligibility based on the deceased person's financial situation.
How to access: Contact your local Washington DSHS Community Services Office as soon as possible after the death — timing matters. You can find your county office at dshs.wa.gov or by calling 2-1-1 Washington.
2-1-1 Washington
A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects residents to local funeral assistance funds, nonprofit burial aid programs, grief counseling, and other community resources. Specialists can search by ZIP code for options you may not find elsewhere.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search online at wa211.org. Available 24/7.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits
Eligible veterans may qualify for burial in a national cemetery at no cost, a burial allowance to offset funeral expenses, and a government-furnished headstone or marker. The VA also provides a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Surviving family members and some dependents may also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.
How to access: Apply for burial allowances at va.gov/burials-memorials or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Washington is home to the Tahoma National Cemetery (Kent) and the Washington State Veterans Cemetery (Medical Lake). Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (wdva.wa.gov) can also help connect families to benefits.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 may be available to the surviving spouse or, in some cases, dependent children of a deceased Social Security-insured worker. While modest, it is a federal benefit worth applying for promptly.
How to access: Apply by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local SSA office. Applications should be filed within two years of the date of death.
Apple Health (Medicaid) Hospice Benefit
Washington's Medicaid program, Apple Health, covers hospice care for eligible terminally ill residents, including nursing, pain management, medical equipment, counseling, and short-term inpatient care. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket end-of-life medical costs for low-income individuals and families.
How to access: Apply for Apple Health at wahbexchange.org or through Washington Healthplanfinder, or call 1-855-923-4633. Social workers at hospitals and hospice agencies can also help facilitate enrollment.
Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for Washington
GriefShare
NationwideGrief recovery support groups meeting in communities nationwide.
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
Nationwide24/7 support for families grieving the death of a military loved one.
The Dougy Center
NationwideSupport for children, teens, and families grieving a death, plus provider resources.
Other resources in Washington
- Housing Assistance in Washington
- Food Assistance in Washington
- Utility Assistance in Washington
- Transportation Assistance in Washington
- Mental Health Resources in Washington
- Domestic Violence Resources in Washington
- Disability Resources in Washington
- Veteran Resources in Washington
- Child & Family Assistance in Washington
- Senior Resources in Washington