Burials for People with Few Resources

Do not sign any contract for more than you can afford to pay. If the deceased was indigent, the funeral director can apply for state funds of $1,100. The family may contribute $2,400 more for a total of $3,500. There is no other organization that assists with costs. Some individuals launch their own GoFundMe campaigns to ask for assistance with funeral costs. The least expensive process is to care for the body without utilizing the services of a funeral home, which is legal in Massachusetts. For more information on how to do that, see the caring for your own dead page on this website.

There is a $255 Social Security death benefit for a surviving spouse. There is no similar benefit when that spouse dies. Dependent children are entitled to survivor benefits when a parent dies.