Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in West Virginia
Last updated September 11, 2026
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences a family can face, and unexpected funeral and burial costs can add serious financial strain during an already painful time. West Virginia residents may qualify for several forms of assistance depending on income, the deceased person's age, cause of death, or military service history. Starting with a call to 2-1-1 West Virginia (dial 2-1-1 or visit wv211.org) is one of the fastest ways to find local burial assistance funds, funeral payment programs, and grief support services in your county.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) administers a state-funded burial assistance program for individuals who die while receiving certain public benefits or who leave no estate sufficient to cover costs. Eligibility and benefit amounts are set by state policy and may vary, so contacting your local DoHS office directly is the best way to confirm current rules and apply quickly. Veterans and their dependents have separate, dedicated pathways through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can significantly offset or fully cover funeral and burial expenses.
Beyond financial help, grief counseling, advance care planning support, and hospice coordination are available through Area Agencies on Aging, community mental health centers, and hospice providers across the state. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally after a loss, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) offers free, confidential support around the clock.
Key programs in West Virginia
West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) – Burial Assistance
Provides limited financial assistance toward funeral and burial costs for low-income individuals or those who were receiving public assistance at the time of death and whose estate cannot cover expenses.
How to access: Contact your local West Virginia DoHS office as soon as possible after the death occurs, as there are time-sensitive application windows. You can find your county office at dhhr.wv.gov or call 2-1-1 to be connected.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Burial and Memorial Benefits
Eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance, plot or interment allowance, and in some cases a government-furnished headstone or marker. Veterans who die from a service-connected condition or while receiving VA care may qualify for higher benefit amounts. Free burial in a national cemetery may also be available.
How to access: Apply online at va.gov/burials-memorials or call 1-800-827-1000. Funeral homes experienced with VA claims can also help families file. West Virginia has national cemeteries at Grafton and Pruntytown.
Social Security Administration (SSA) – Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse or, in some cases, dependent children of a deceased Social Security-insured worker. This does not cover full funeral costs but can help offset them.
How to access: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov. The claim must generally be filed within two years of the death. The funeral home or a family member can initiate contact.
2-1-1 West Virginia
A free statewide helpline that connects residents to local nonprofit organizations, community funds, churches, and county-level programs that may offer emergency burial assistance, grief counseling, hospice referrals, and other end-of-life support services.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (available 24/7), text your zip code to 898-211, or search the database at wv211.org. Specialists can identify the most relevant local resources based on your county and situation.
Eldercare Locator – Area Agencies on Aging
West Virginia's regional Area Agencies on Aging can connect older adults and their families with advance care planning assistance, hospice and palliative care referrals, and grief support services. They can also help navigate Medicaid-covered hospice benefits for qualifying individuals.
How to access: Call the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find the Area Agency on Aging serving your West Virginia county.
Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for West Virginia
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 West Virginia
- Housing Assistance in West Virginia
- Food Assistance in West Virginia
- Utility Assistance in West Virginia
- Transportation Assistance in West Virginia
- Mental Health Resources in West Virginia
- Domestic Violence Resources in West Virginia
- Disability Resources in West Virginia
- Veteran Resources in West Virginia
- Child & Family Assistance in West Virginia
- Senior Resources in West Virginia