NYC Funeral and Burial Assistance 2026–27: How to Pay for a Funeral When Money Is Tight
Updated: 8 hours ago
Losing someone is hard enough without a funeral bill you can't cover. In New York City, there are several public programs that can pay part of the cost. The catch is that each has its own deadline, and some are easy to miss in the first weeks after a death.
This guide covers the main sources of help for NYC families in 2026–27: the city's HRA burial allowance, crime victim funeral awards from New York State, veterans burial benefits and the Social Security death payment. It also explains your rights when you're comparing funeral home prices.
Last reviewed: October 2026. See our Editorial Standards for how we check these details.
Amounts and rules change, so confirm with each agency before you sign a funeral contract.
Start Here: The Two Deadlines That Matter Most
HRA burial allowance: apply within 120 days of the date of death.
Social Security lump-sum death payment: generally within two years of the death.
If the death was caused by a crime, New York's Office of Victim Services generally gives you three years to file. If the person was a veteran, VA burial claims for a non-service-connected death generally must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.
Write these dates down now, even if you're not sure you'll qualify.
HRA Burial Assistance (Up to $1,700)
The NYC Human Resources Administration's Office of Burial Services (OBS) helps pay funeral costs for a low-income New York City resident who has died. It can reimburse costs you've already paid, or pre-approve payment for a funeral you're planning.
How much it pays
Up to $1,700 toward the funeral, burial, cremation or burial of cremated remains.
The payment can go to a relative, friend, organization or authorized representative who handled the arrangements.
The $3,400 cost cap
HRA's allowance is meant for modest funerals. Eligible funeral costs can't exceed $3,400. If the bill is higher, HRA subtracts the cost of the burial plot, grave opening or cremation. If what's left is under $3,400, the allowance can still be approved. This is why it's smart to talk to HRA before you sign a contract, not after.
Who qualifies
The allowance is for low-income people who died without resources or assets to pay for their funeral. HRA says proof of low income may include receiving HRA cash assistance, SNAP or Social Security benefits such as SSI. OBS reviews each case individually.
How to apply
Online: HRA says the easiest way is its Burial Assistance portal, which starts with a short prescreening and lets you upload documents and track your application. Find it at nyc.gov/site/hra/help/burial-assistance.page.
By phone: Call 718-557-1399 if you need help with the online application or want a paper application mailed or emailed to you.
Deadline: HRA must receive the application within 120 days of the date of death.
Timing: HRA's FAQ says completed applications, with all supporting documents, are processed within 30 days.
Keep an itemized invoice from the funeral home, crematory or cemetery. HRA only covers costs you can document.
Crime Victims: Up to $12,000 From New York State
If your loved one died because of a crime, the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) may reimburse funeral and burial expenses. OVS says:
The cap on funeral and burial expenses is now $12,000.
OVS can pay up to $6,000 as an emergency award for funeral and burial expenses.
Since December 31, 2025, survivors generally have three years to file, and OVS can waive the deadline for good reasons, such as not knowing the program existed.
You no longer need a police report in every case. A city- or state-funded victim service provider, or a licensed medical or mental health professional, can complete an OVS Crime Verification Form instead.
Claims are now filed online through OVS Compass.
If you're working with a hospital social worker, a district attorney's victim advocate or a community victim services agency, ask them to help file the claim. They can often move an emergency award faster.
Veterans: VA Burial Allowance and Plot Allowance
If the person who died was a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may help with burial costs.
For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, VA lists:
A $1,032 burial allowance, and
$1,032 for a plot if the veteran isn't buried in a national cemetery.
For a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001, VA lists a burial allowance of up to $2,000. Eligible veterans may also be buried in a VA national cemetery. Ask the funeral director to help confirm eligibility; many are familiar with VA paperwork.
Social Security: The $255 Death Payment
Social Security pays a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment if the person who died had enough work credits. It generally goes to a surviving spouse who lived with them. If there's no eligible spouse, it may go to an eligible child. You usually apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 within two years of the death.
$255 won't cover much, but surviving family members may also qualify for monthly survivor benefits. Ask about both when you call.
Your Rights at the Funeral Home (FTC Funeral Rule)
The federal Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, gives you important protections when you shop:
Get a written General Price List. When you ask about funeral goods, services or prices in person, the funeral home must give you an itemized price list to keep.
Buy only what you want. You generally have the right to choose individual items instead of a package. The exceptions are a basic services fee and anything required by law, the cemetery or the crematory.
Compare prices by phone. Funeral homes must give price information over the phone if you ask, and you don't have to give your name first.
Bring your own casket or urn. A funeral home can't refuse to handle a casket or urn you bought elsewhere, or charge you a fee to do it.
The FTC notes that you can choose direct cremation or immediate burial, which don't require embalming. Asking for itemized prices on those options can help you stay under HRA's $3,400 cap.
A Simple Plan for the First Week
Before signing anything, ask the funeral home for its General Price List and a written estimate.
Call HRA's Office of Burial Services (718-557-1399) if money is tight. Ask whether the estimate fits within the cap and whether pre-approval is possible.
If the death involved a crime, contact a victim advocate about an OVS emergency funeral award.
If the person was a veteran, ask the funeral director to help start the VA burial claim.
Call Social Security to report the death if the funeral home hasn't, and ask about the $255 payment and survivor benefits.
Keep every receipt and invoice. Reimbursement programs need proof of what was paid and by whom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does NYC give for a funeral?
HRA's Office of Burial Services can pay up to $1,700 toward an eligible low-income resident's funeral, burial or cremation. Eligible funeral costs generally can't exceed $3,400, after certain deductions.
Can I get reimbursed if I already paid the funeral home?
Yes. HRA can reimburse funeral expenses that have already been paid, as long as you apply within 120 days of the death and provide supporting documents.
What if the funeral costs more than $3,400?
HRA deducts the cost of the plot, grave opening or cremation from the total. If the rest is under $3,400, the allowance can still be approved. Call 718-557-1399 to ask about your specific bill.
Does OVS pay funeral costs for homicide victims?
Yes. OVS can reimburse up to $12,000 in funeral and burial expenses and can pay up to $6,000 as an emergency award.
Who gets the Social Security $255 death payment?
Generally a surviving spouse who lived with the person who died, or an eligible child if there's no spouse. The person must have had enough Social Security work credits.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Confirm current amounts and eligibility with each agency.
Related Guides
More help in New York City
Every guide we have for New York City is listed on our New York City financial help hub. Related guides for the same area:
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