How to get help with burial expenses in Canada
After a loved one passes away, we’re confronted with the costs of funerals and memorials, as well as cremations or burials. In a state of grief, it can be hard to face these challenges alone. And added to the high cost of burial is the awkwardness of asking friends and family to help out with expenses.
People who use GoFundMe for this purpose often discover that our donor-powered crowdfunding platform not only makes the process easier, it also gives grieving friends and family a safe place to post words of love and condolences.
Below are a few resources for you to consider when you’re looking for help with burial expenses, including crowdfunding, which can supplement any benefits you may receive. We hope this helps.
How to pay for a funeral in Canada with no money
If you cannot afford a funeral in Canada, several options may help cover the costs. You can start a GoFundMe fundraiser. There are no eligibility requirements, and supporters can contribute as soon as the fundraiser is shared.
There are also organizations that help with funeral expenses. The CPP Death Benefit may provide a one-time payment of up to $2,500 to an eligible estate or other applicant. If the deceased was an eligible veteran, Veterans Affairs Canada provides funeral and burial assistance through the Last Post Fund. Provincial social assistance programmes may also cover basic funeral costs, with eligibility and amounts varying by province. You can also ask the funeral home about available payment arrangements. See the resources below for eligibility requirements, application information, and full programme details.
Resources for burial expense help
Depending on your loved one’s circumstances, financial help may be available through insurance, government programmes, or crowdfunding.
Insurance policies
If your loved one had a life insurance policy, it may very well include a death benefit for burial expenses. Check with their insurance company for details.
Specific government programmes
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit provides a one-time payment of up to $2,500 to an eligible estate or applicant. Apply through Service Canada.
Through the Last Post Fund, Veterans Affairs Canada provides funeral and burial assistance to eligible veterans and their families.
Provincial and municipal assistance programmes
Most Canadian provinces offer some form of funeral or burial assistance for families who cannot afford the costs. This is typically provided through provincial social services or local authorities.
Examples include Alberta Funeral Benefits, municipal burial assistance available through Ontario Works, BC Employment and Assistance funeral benefits, and New Brunswick’s Social Supports NB Funeral Benefit. Eligibility requirements, covered expenses, benefit amounts, and application processes vary by province and may change, so check the relevant provincial government website or contact your local municipality for current information.
GoFundMe may also help bridge the gap between available assistance and actual expenses. Learn more about how to get help with funeral costs.
Crowdfunding
Even if you receive benefits or assistance from one of the resources listed above, you may find that the support doesn’t fully cover your costs. Crowdfunding can help cover whatever these programmes don’t.
Another benefit of crowdfunding is that, instead of asking each friend or family member for help individually, you can simply send the link to your GoFundMe fundraiser via email or Facebook. Your GoFundMe can also become a place for friends and loved ones to share memories and support each other through this time.
Burial or cremation expenses are likely just one of the costs you’re facing, along with funeral or memorial services, costs related to settling the estate, and more. On your GoFundMe, make the full scope of expenses clear.
How to negotiate burial costs with a funeral home
Before committing to a funeral home, ask for an itemised price list and compare costs and services from two or three local providers. Provincial rules vary, but consumers can generally decline optional products or services they do not want, which can help reduce the total cost.
Direct cremation is often among the least expensive options, although prices vary by provider and location. If paying upfront is difficult, ask the funeral home whether they offer payment plans or other flexible arrangements for families experiencing financial hardship.
How GoFundMe can help
GoFundMe has many helpful resources available to help you as you deal with the death of a loved one. Here are a few:
- How to start a scholarship fund to honour a loved one
- Funeral savings guide
- How do you pay for a funeral with no money?
- Funeral and memorial fundraising tips
You can launch a fundraiser today.