When a loved one dies the next of kin has a number of important responsibilities that they may or may not be prepared for. One of the most important tasks is arranging funeral services.
Getting death care services arranged is easier now that arrangements can be made remotely, but paying for those services is increasingly difficult for some Texas families. The kicker is disposition is a legal requirement, and funeral homes are going to need the services to be paid for before they provide them.
For families that don’t have thousands of dollars to cover the costs, it can be a huge stressor on top of dealing with the loss of a loved one. The upside is there are options that can help people in Texas that can’t afford funeral services.
The Growing Cost of Dying in Texas
Here’s why more and more families in Texas are having difficulty covering the cost of death care services – the cost is increasing. It’s a phenomenon that’s happening nationwide, but the costs are higher than average in Texas.
Currently, traditional burial is $8,790 in Texas, which is $490 higher than the national average. When additional costs like the burial plot and headstone are factored in the cost goes up to $12,000-$15,000. The cost of cremation services has also increased in recent years as the demand has dramatically risen.
Programs That Provide Payment Assistance and Payment Options
Some people will be able to get substantial financial help with funeral costs through special programs. These include:
Social Security Lump-Sum Death Benefit
It may not be much, but if the deceased paid into Social Security the next of kin can request a one-time payment of $255 to help pay for funeral expenses.
Veterans’ Benefits
Military veterans can receive special benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to cover funeral services. Veterans can also be buried in national cemeteries for free.
Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
The Texas Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program helps cover the cost of funerals for Texans that die as the result of a violent crime. The costs that can be paid for include burial, cremation and transportation of the remains.
Texas Medicaid (STAR/CHIP)
The family can contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to receive $2,500 in financial assistance if the deceased was receiving Medicaid benefits at the time of their death.
Texas County Indigent Burial Programs
Every county in Texas is required to provide indigent burial assistance for residents that have no means of paying for funeral services. The amount of assistance is usually between $1,500 and $2,500. Families should check with their county’s health and human services department to find out if they are eligible.
Nonprofits and Charities That Help Texans Pay For Funeral Services
There are a number of Texas-based nonprofits and charities that can step in and provide some financial relief for families that are struggling to pay for funeral services.
United Way Texas / 2-1-1 Texas
The United Way of Texas offers funeral service grants and local emergency financial aid. Families can get information by dialing 2-1-1.
The Salvation Army
Local Salvation Army branches may be able to provide assistance for burial or cremation costs. Families should call their local branch to find out if assistance is available.
Red Cross
The Red Cross is another national organization that can provide financial assistance for families in Texas, particularly when a person dies due a natural disaster.
Catholic Charities of Texas
Texans can get reduced-cost funeral services through their local dioceses, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Children’s Burial Assistance Organizations
Organizations like the TEARS Foundation, Final Farewell and Children’s Burial Assistance help families who have lost a child or infant.
Crowdfunding to Pay For Funeral Services in Texas
An option that has become more common today is crowdfunding to pay for funeral services. Families can use platforms like GoFundMe to ask others to contribute a small amount to cost the cost of services and related expenses. There is a campaign page on the platform that can be shared through social media and email.
Many families who go this route request that people donate rather than sending flowers or food. While those are wonderful gestures, ultimately the real need is getting the funds that are needed to pay for disposition.
Planning Ahead to Pay For Funeral Services
Today it’s possible to arrange funeral services years in advance so that everything is already lined up, including paying for services. It can give families the ability to pay for funeral services over time rather than being hit all at once by a huge bill.
Because of the expense involved, the state of Texas does regulate pre-paid funeral services through the Texas Department of Banking and the Texas Funeral Service Commission. Two of the key regulations are that prices get locked in, and the services must be paid for through insurance-funded or trust-funded sources.
This can be a good idea for families that can afford to pay a smaller fee in monthly increments, and because the cost of funeral services is going up. Our Pre-Need Funeral Planning Guide provides details that families in Texas can use to start the process or decide if pre-planning is the right option.
At Cremation.Green we’ve spent years helping families in Texas navigate some of the most difficult decisions they’ll ever make. We have always advocated for pricing transparency in the funeral industry, compassionate care and eco-friendly death care services that are more cost-effective.
If you are uncertain about what funeral services you can afford, how you will pay for them or simply need to talk with an expert that can provide honest information, please reach out. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
