When someone dies and there is no life insurance, no savings, and no estate to cover the cost, the family is left facing a painful question on top of their grief: how do we pay for this?
It happens more often than most people realize. Funerals are expensive. The average traditional funeral in Ohio runs somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000 when you include the casket, cemetery fees, and funeral home services. That is money many families simply do not have, especially when the death is sudden or unexpected.
But here is what most people do not know: there are options. You are not stuck choosing between going into debt and doing nothing. Ohio has programs, resources, and alternatives that can help families give their loved one a dignified farewell without financial ruin.
This post covers every major option available to Ohio families who are struggling to pay for a funeral.
Who Is Legally Responsible for Funeral Costs?
In Ohio, the legal responsibility for funeral expenses generally falls on the estate of the deceased. That means if the person who died had assets, savings, or property, those resources can be used to pay for the funeral before any other debts or inheritances are distributed.
But if there is no estate, or if the estate has no liquid assets, the responsibility often shifts to the next of kin. Ohio law does not force family members to pay for a funeral out of their own pockets. However, if a family member signs a contract with a funeral home agreeing to cover the costs, that agreement is legally binding.
This is an important distinction. Before you sign anything at a funeral home, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to pay. Ask questions. Get a written estimate. And know that you have the right to choose only the services you can afford.
County Indigent Burial Programs
Every county in Ohio is required to provide burial or cremation for residents who die without the means to pay for disposition. This is sometimes called indigent burial, and it is administered through the county's Department of Job and Family Services or the county coroner's office.
The specifics vary by county. In Franklin County, which includes Columbus, the county will cover the cost of a basic cremation or burial for residents who qualify. The process typically involves verifying that the deceased had no assets, no life insurance, and no family members who are able to pay.
These programs do not cover elaborate services. They cover the legal minimum: a respectful disposition of the body. That usually means direct cremation or a basic burial with no viewing and no formal ceremony.
To apply, a family member or the funeral home handling the case contacts the county office and provides documentation about the deceased person's financial situation. Processing times vary, and there may be a waiting period.
If your loved one was a Franklin County resident and your family cannot afford funeral costs, call the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services to ask about eligibility. The funeral home you are working with should also be able to guide you through this process.
Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment
If the person who died was receiving Social Security benefits or had enough work credits to qualify, the surviving spouse or dependent children may be eligible for a one-time lump sum death payment of $255.
That number has not changed since 1954. It was never meant to cover the full cost of a funeral, and it does not come close today. But $255 is still $255, and if you qualify, it is worth claiming.
To apply, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. You will need the deceased person's Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. The payment goes to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased, or to a child who is eligible for benefits.
Veterans Burial Benefits
If your loved one served in the United States military, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several burial benefits that can significantly reduce funeral costs.
Eligible veterans can receive a free burial in a national cemetery, which includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag. The VA also provides a burial allowance that can help offset the cost of the funeral itself. As of 2026, the burial allowance for service-connected deaths is significantly higher than for non-service-connected deaths, but both provide meaningful financial relief.
Additional benefits may include a Presidential Memorial Certificate, military funeral honors (including a flag folding ceremony and the playing of Taps), and transportation reimbursement in some cases.
To find out what your family qualifies for, contact the VA directly or ask your funeral home for help. At Evergreen, our team is familiar with the VA burial benefits process and can help your family file the paperwork. You can learn more on our veterans benefits page.
Medicaid and Funeral Assistance
Ohio's Medicaid program does not directly pay for funerals. However, if the deceased was a Medicaid recipient, the estate may be exempt from certain recovery claims for funeral-related expenses. In some cases, Medicaid planning done before death can set aside funds specifically for burial through irrevocable burial trusts or pre-need funeral contracts.
If your loved one was on Medicaid, it is worth consulting with the funeral home and, if possible, an elder law attorney to understand what protections may apply.
Additionally, some county welfare programs and local charities provide funeral assistance to families who do not qualify for indigent burial but still cannot afford the full cost. Your funeral director or a local social worker can help identify programs in your area.
Crowdfunding
Online crowdfunding has become one of the most common ways families cover unexpected funeral costs. Platforms like GoFundMe have hosted hundreds of thousands of funeral fundraisers, and many of them reach their goals within a few days.
The key to a successful funeral fundraiser is specificity and honesty. Share who the person was, what happened, and exactly how the funds will be used. Include a photo and keep the description personal. People are more likely to give when they feel connected to the story.
A few practical tips:
Set a realistic goal. If you need $6,000 for a cremation with a memorial service, say so. If you need $10,000 for a full traditional funeral, explain the breakdown.
Share the fundraiser on social media, in community groups, and through text and email. The more people who see it, the more likely it is to gain momentum.
Update donors after the funeral. A short message thanking contributors and sharing how the service went goes a long way.
Crowdfunding is not a guaranteed solution, but for families with an active community or social media presence, it can make a real difference.
Funeral Home Payment Plans
Some funeral homes offer payment plans that allow families to spread the cost over several months. Not every provider offers this option, so it is worth asking during the arrangement meeting.
At Evergreen Funeral, Cremation and Reception, we work with families across a wide range of budgets. We are upfront about costs, and we will help you find an arrangement that honors your loved one without creating a financial burden your family cannot carry. Visit our payment center to learn more about your options.
Choosing a Less Expensive Service
If your budget is limited, choosing a simpler service does not mean you are honoring your loved one any less. Some of the most affordable options include:
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is the most affordable disposition option. The body is cremated shortly after death with no viewing, no embalming, and no formal ceremony. The family receives the cremated remains and can hold a memorial service at a later date if they choose. In Ohio, direct cremation typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on the provider.
Direct Burial
Similar to direct cremation, direct burial skips the viewing and formal service. The body is buried in a simple container shortly after death. This eliminates the cost of embalming, a casket upgrade, and facility fees for a ceremony.
Memorial Service Without the Body Present
A memorial service held after cremation or burial can be as meaningful as a traditional funeral. It can be held at a church, community center, park, or family home at little to no venue cost. The focus is on gathering, remembering, and supporting one another.
None of these options are lesser. They are different. And for many families, a simple, heartfelt gathering is more meaningful than an expensive production.
Churches, Nonprofits, and Community Organizations
Many local churches and faith-based organizations have benevolence funds set aside specifically to help families with funeral expenses. Even if you are not a member of a congregation, it is worth reaching out to local churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues to ask if assistance is available.
Nonprofits and community organizations can also help. Some examples include:
Local chapters of the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Fraternal organizations like the Elks, Moose Lodge, or VFW (especially for veterans and their families). Community foundations and mutual aid groups that operate in the Columbus area.
These organizations may not cover the full cost, but even partial assistance can close the gap between what your family can afford and what the funeral costs.
What to Do Right Now If You Cannot Afford a Funeral
If you are reading this because you have just lost someone and you do not know how to pay for the funeral, here is what to do:
Call a funeral home and be honest about your financial situation. A good funeral director will not judge you. They will help you understand your options and find a path that works within your budget.
Ask about county assistance. If your loved one had no assets and no insurance, the county may cover basic disposition costs.
Check for veteran eligibility. If your loved one served in the military, the VA benefits alone can cover a significant portion of the cost.
Consider crowdfunding. Even a small campaign can generate enough to cover a simple, dignified service.
Ask your community for help. Churches, nonprofits, employers, and neighbors are often willing to pitch in when a family is in need.
You do not have to figure this out alone. And you do not have to choose between honoring your loved one and protecting your family's finances.
If you need help navigating your options, contact our team at Evergreen at (614) 654-4465. We are available 24/7, and we will help you find a way forward.
