Where can low income elderly find help paying for a childs funeral expenses?

Question

I am divorced/widowed, living on social security disability and just burried my second son, who was single, no children, and shared my home and expenses with me. I lost that income and now I have a funeral bill to pay. My son died of liver cancer/scirrosis last month. He was 37 years old. I lost my first son in 1994. He was killed by a drunk driver. The emotional scars left by thier loss is almost more then I can bare, and the finincial difficulties makes it worse. Can anyone advise me on where to get help?

Answer 1

Why do you feel it's your responsibility to pay for the funeral? Legally you're not. Did he leave life insurance with you as beneficiary? Did he have insurance where he worked? Was he on disability? Does he have an estate of any value? You need to find someone to help you with the red tape. Usually there is something somewhere that someone is entitled to. In this case I think you need better than yahoo answers.

Answer 2

You or she should contact the local authorities in advance, there may be several options. Most counties will do Pauper cremations for free. There is also a group that is called Funeral Consumers Alliance that gathers and offers inforamtion about many different funeral homes and has a list of less expensive prices and sercvices for the members of the group. Absolutely DO NOT do a prepaid funeral. This is one of the most expensive and complaint generating "services" in the industry.

Answer 3

I'm truly sorry for your losses. To imagine what you must be going through breaks my heart. The American Red Cross, The Center For Women and Families, The Metro United Way, The Dept of Social Services or the Social Security Administration..any of these places might be able to help you. Also, the funeral home might be willing to give you a steep discount (if you tell them your situation).

Aside from funeral expenses, it sounds like you might be eligible for some type of public assistance. I hope this helps. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. I'll do whatever I can to help you...even if that means making some calls to these organizations myself. :)

Good luck. God bless you!

Answer 4

I am so sorry for the loss of your children. The Compassionate Friends is a group that helps parents deal with the emotional scars that are left from your losses. Work on the emotional stuff first.

Answer 5

Check with the funeral parlor. They should have information on donations or special funds or governent programs that can assist you. Sorry for your loss. Check with your local church as well. I'm sure they have had this issue come up before.

Answer 6

I don't understand why you have to pay the bill if he was sharing expenses with you. I don't think DSS can help because he was not a child. I think your best bet is to talk to the funeral director as they are usually very sensitive to monetary problems. Best of luck in sorting this out--

Answer 7

So sorry about your loss-try to stay strong.Call your local Social Security office and ask them to steer you in the direction of a social worker or financial aid.

Answer 8

Talk to funeral home as they have bare funerals for people like that or can direct you where to go and get help...Good Luck.

Answer 9

check with the funeral home director. they should be able to help guide you to the proper agencies. if not check with the welfare, social services division.

Answer 10

That happened to my aunt,she went to the local church and they had a fund raising to help pay for it.