Losing someone is hard enough without worrying about how to pay for their arrangements. If money is tight, you're not alone, and you have more options than you might think. This guide covers the government programs, benefits and practical steps that can help Long Island and New York City families cover the cost of a cremation.
The quick answer
Start with the programs that match your situation:
New York City residents:
HRA burial assistance pays up to $1,700 when total funeral costs are $3,400 or less.
Suffolk and Nassau residents:
County Departments of Social Services help eligible families, but you must apply before
arrangements are finalized.
Veterans:
VA allowances of up to $1,002 or $2,000, plus free inurnment in a national cemetery.
Surviving spouses:
a one-time $255 Social Security payment.
Our direct cremation is $1,591 for Nassau, western and central Suffolk and NYC, which fits within these programs' limits. Call us at (516) 546-4626 and we'll help you figure out what applies.
Assistance programs at a glance
| Program | Who it helps | How much |
|---|---|---|
| NYC HRA Burial Assistance | Low-income NYC residents | Up to $1,700 (total costs $3,400 or less) |
| Suffolk County DSS | Eligible residents with no other funds | Basic cremation or burial costs |
| Nassau County DSS | Eligible low-income residents | Contact DSS for current limits |
| VA burial allowance | Eligible veterans | Up to $2,000 (service-connected) or $1,002 (certain other deaths) |
| Social Security | Surviving spouse or eligible child | $255, one time |
| NYS Office of Victim Services | Families of crime victims | Funeral and burial expenses (see below) |
New York City: HRA burial assistance
The NYC Human Resources Administration's Office of Burial Services helps pay for the funeral or cremation of a low-income New York City resident. It can pay up to $1,700 toward the bill, as long as the total funeral cost is $3,400 or less. Families can apply for reimbursement after paying, or ask for pre-approval before the services.
- Who can apply: a relative, friend or authorized representative who is responsible for the arrangements
- Deadline: within 120 days of the death
- How to apply: online through HRA's Burial Assistance portal, or by calling 311 and asking for burial assistance
Our NYC direct cremation is $1,591, including the crematory fee and one death certificate, well under HRA's $3,400 limit. We'll provide the itemized bill and funeral director paperwork HRA requires.
Suffolk County: Department of Social Services
When no private funds are available, the Suffolk County Department of Social Services covers basic burial or cremation costs for Temporary Assistance recipients and certain others who die in the county. The benefit is available regardless of immigration status.
- Most important rule: DSS must approve the application before arrangements are finalized with the funeral home. Call us first, and we'll wait for approval before finalizing anything.
- Check eligibility: use Suffolk's online burial assistance prescreening, or call DSS Burials at (631) 854-9856
- What DSS reviews: the deceased's assets, including bank accounts, insurance and any prepaid funeral trust
Nassau County: Department of Social Services
The Nassau County Department of Social Services also provides burial assistance for eligible low-income residents. As in Suffolk, it's best to contact DSS before arrangements are finalized. Call Nassau County DSS at (516) 227-8519 and ask about burial assistance, or call us and we'll help you through the process.
Veterans benefits
If your loved one served in the military, several VA benefits can help:
- Service-connected death: up to $2,000 toward burial or cremation costs
- Non-service-connected death(for deaths on or after October 1, 2025): up to $1,002, plus a separate $1,002 plot or interment allowance, for eligible veterans, for example those receiving VA pension or compensation, or who died in VA care
- National cemetery inurnment: cremated remains of eligible veterans can be placed in a VA national cemetery, such as Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island, at no cost
- Military honors, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate
You'll need the veteran's DD-214 discharge papers. Claims for non-service-connected deaths must generally be filed within two years. We're glad to help you gather what you need.
Social Security
Social Security pays a one-time $255 death benefit to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or, if there's no eligible spouse, to an eligible child. It can't be paid directly to a funeral home. When you call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, also ask about monthly survivor benefits, which are often worth far more.
If the death was the result of a crime
The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) can reimburse funeral and burial expenses for an innocent victim of crime, and emergency awards are available in cases of hardship. Anyone who paid the funeral costs may apply. Visit ovs.ny.gov or ask a local victim assistance program for help filing.
Other ways to cover the cost
Life insurance
If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can often be used for cremation costs. Check with their employer, union, bank and credit card companies too, since some offer small accidental death or group life policies families don't know about. [CONFIRM: whether ACS accepts insurance assignments, and how that works]
Prepaid funeral plans
Look through your loved one's papers for a prepaid funeral contract or irrevocable funeral trust. Those funds can usually be transferred to the provider you choose.
Payment options
[CONFIRM: describe ACS payment options, such as payment plans, financing or accepted payment methods. If none are offered, delete this subsection.]
Family and community support
Many families share the cost among relatives, or turn to a house of worship, union, employer or community group. Online fundraisers are also common and can come together quickly.
Choosing direct cremation now, and a memorial later
Direct cremation is the most affordable dignified option. You can hold a gathering later at home, at church or at a favorite place, with no funeral home facility costs. See our complete prices, which include the crematory fee.
Common questions
- What if we can't afford a cremation at all? Call us before making any decisions. We'll walk you through which programs your family may qualify for and help with the paperwork, with no pressure.
- Do we have to apply for assistance before the cremation? For Suffolk and Nassau County social services, yes. Approval is needed before arrangements are finalized. NYC's HRA accepts either pre-approval or reimbursement within 120 days.
- Can the $255 Social Security benefit go to the funeral home? No. It's paid only to an eligible surviving spouse or child.
- Is the VA benefit paid before or after the cremation? VA burial allowances are generally paid after the arrangements, to the family member who paid.
- Do these programs cover an urn or memorial service? Programs vary, and some have strict cost limits, so keeping arrangements simple can help you qualify. We'll help you stay within the limits that apply to you.
Related resources
Worried about the cost? Let's talk.
We'll explain our prices, help you find out which programs your family may qualify for, and guide you through the paperwork, with no pressure, ever.
Program amounts and rules are current as of September 2026 and can change. Eligibility is determined by each agency, not by Affordable Cremation Services of New York. This article is general guidance, not legal or financial advice; please confirm details with the agency or contact our team with questions.