You Paid for a Funeral — But Can You Get Any of That Money Back?

Families who pay funeral expenses may qualify for financial help through Social Security, VA burial benefits, estate funds, or insurance policies. Eligibility and application deadlines vary, so keeping receipts and checking available programs is important. shurkin_son/Shutterstock

You put $8,000 on your credit card to cover a parent’s funeral because the arrangements couldn’t wait. Between the funeral home, burial costs, transportation, and other expenses, the bills added up faster than anyone expected.

Now that the services are over, you’re wondering whether any of that money can be recovered. The answer is potentially yes, but it depends on your relationship to the deceased, their financial circumstances, and whether they qualified for certain benefits. Several programs and financial arrangements may help families recover funeral expenses, although reimbursement is far from automatic. Before assuming you’re responsible for the entire bill, here are seven places worth checking for funeral expense reimbursement and financial assistance.