Losing a loved one leaves a massive hole in the family’s lives. The first thing that takes a hit after the loss of the family’s breadwinner is the finances.
The financial assistance for bereaved families programs offered by various NGOs like Compassionate Friends and First Candle and government programs like SSA and the Crime Victim Compensation Programs provide an economic cushion for grieving families to get back on their feet.
These programs vary from state to state and offer assistance in different ways, which is why it is necessary to have all the important details before applying. Read along to learn more about these programs and sources that offer financial aid!!!
Financial Assistance For Bereaved Families: Non-Profit Sources
Charities offer financial assistance for bereaved families, although the specific non-profits and the nature of their assistance can vary based on region, cause of death, and other factors. Here are 7 non-profit organizations that are known to provide support:
1. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to children of military members who died in the line of duty.
The foundation’s goal is to ensure that no child of a deceased service member has to pay out of pocket or take out loans to pay for college.
The foundation has provided more than $67 million in assistance since 2002. They bridge the gap between existing sources of grants and scholarships and the total cost of college.
2. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is an organization that offers financial assistance for bereaved families in multiple ways.
It offers education support, youth support, and women’s empowerment programs to support the families of deceased military men.
The organization also houses unique programs related to sports and entertainment. They also have peer support groups and suicide prevention hotlines to help those in need.
3. The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is a charity that supports families after a child’s death. The charity is run by bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.
They offer support through online, telephone, and local resources. While the organization does not directly provide financial aid, you can seek help from its local chapters. These local agencies often offer financial support to families in dire need.
4. The Dougy Center
While primarily providing emotional support for grieving children and families, they also have resources and connections for financial backing.
The Dougy Center serves 400 children and 250 adults from the Portland metropolitan area each month. 500 independent programs around the world use the center’s model.
The Dougy Center provides a safe place for children, teens, young adults, and families to share their experiences before and after death. The center also provides support and training to individuals and organizations that want to help children in grief.
5. First Candle
This organization helps families who have experienced infant deaths and provides financial resources and support. They offer compassion, expertise, professional guidance, and a network of people who understand the pain of losing a baby.
First Candle works on the principle of fundraising, which allows them to help grieving families with valuable resources as well as funds when needed. The organization also offers counseling for people struggling with grief.
6. The American Red Cross
In disasters and accidents, the Red Cross provides emergency assistance, including financial help for bereaved families. The Red Cross also provides financial assistance for military families. This includes funds for:
- Emergency travel
- Burial of a loved one
- Emergency food and shelter
The Red Cross also offers emotional support and resources for people struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.
7. Crime Victim Compensation Programs
For families in the U.S. who have lost a loved one due to a crime, each state has a program to compensate victims, which can include funeral expenses. Most programs are limited to victims of violent crimes, but these programs can also pay the counseling costs for victims of major financial crimes.
Every state limits the overall amount that can be paid to a victim and the amount paid for each type of expense. Victim compensation only pays where there is no insurance coverage or some other type of payment available.
Government Sources Offering Financial Assistance For Bereaved Families
Along with non-profit organizations, government agencies also offer financial assistance for bereaved families. These programs offered by the federal government may vary by state in terms of the funds offered. Here are 4 key sources you can seek help from:
1. SSA
The Social Security Administration offers two kinds of financial assistance for bereaved families: the lump-sum Death Payment program and The Monthly Survivors Benefits Program.
Through the lump-sum death payment program, the SSA offers a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to a surviving spouse or child if certain conditions are met.
The Monthly Survivor Benefits Program makes monthly payments accessible to certain family members, including widows, widowers, children, and dependent parents, based on the deceased’s work record.
2. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Burial Benefits
The VA provides burial and memorial benefits for veterans who meet specific criteria. This can include a gravesite in a VA national cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
A burial allowance may also be provided to help offset funeral and burial costs. You can also look for other programs that offer free cremation for low-income families.
3. Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
When the deceased was a federal employee or retiree and was enrolled in FEGLI, the insurance program would provide life insurance benefits to beneficiaries. This would be a lump-sum payment to the named beneficiaries on the policy.
You can also select one of the provider’s three options along with the basic insurance plan. All of them benefit the consumer in their unique ways. You can learn about these options through the official website and then select which financial assistance for bereaved families best suits your needs.
4. Indian Health Service (IHS)
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) division that offers financial assistance for bereaved families. The IHS provides federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
The Financial Assistance and Social Services (FASS) program provides funds to help with burial expenses for deceased indigent Indians. The program is provided by the Department of Interior – Indian Affairs.
The FASS program also provides:
- Emergency assistance
- Adult care assistance
- Social services, including services to children, the elderly, and families
- Child and adult protection services
Get Financial assistance for Widows
Through the Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant, you can get financial assistance for bereaved families or widows. This grant is available to widows, widowers, or surviving civil partners with one or more dependent children living with them at the date of death.
You can also benefit from the program while being a widow or surviving civil partner whose child is born within 10 months of the date of death of her spouse or civil partner.
This grant is a once-off payment of €8,000. Payment of the Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant is made by cheque, payable to the widow, widower, or surviving civil partner. This is issued immediately following the decision of the Deciding Officer on one of the above payments.
Financial Assistance for Bereaved Families (For Grieving Parents)
Saying a final goodbye to your child is the most challenging thing for a parent. The burial or cremation charges can be troublesome for low-income families, which is why there are financial assistance for bereaved families and programs for grieving parents. These programs are offered by organizations like:
- The MISS Foundation
- Bereaved Parents of the USA
- Construction Angels
- Empty Cradle
- The TEARS Foundation
People Also Ask
Getting financial assistance for bereaved families is not difficult, but there can be slight confusion regarding the process and the amount. Here are 4 crucial questions asked often by the applicants:
Do you get money for losing a child?
You and your partner may be eligible for parental bereavement leave and pay if you’re employed and your child dies before they turn 18. you have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
What organizations offer financial assistance for bereaved families and widows?
The best Charities that support Widows and Widowers in 2024 are Modern Widows Club, Soaring Spirits International, Global Fund for Widows, Wings for Widows, The Widows Empowerment Trust, HEART for Widows, and others.
What is bereavement money?
The money is intended to aid the bereaved family tide through the difficult time after losing a loved one.
Can I get financial assistance for a parent?
Yes, there are several government organizations like SSA and VA that offer financial assistance for bereaved families when a parent dies.
The Bottom Line
Financial assistance for bereaved families offered by NGOs and government agencies provides an economic cushion to low-income families suffering through the trauma of losing a loved one. You can scour through various programs and inquire more about those that suit your needs. All the information can be gathered through the official websites of the respective organizations.
