Funeral Assistance in Maryland

Funeral costs in Maryland run among the highest in the country, and for families already stretched thin, that can feel impossible. But there is real, specific help here — not just general advice to ask around, but named programs with confirmed contacts. Here's what exists and who runs it.

Federal programs that apply statewide

Social Security offers a one-time death benefit of $255 to a surviving spouse who lived with the deceased, or to a qualifying child when there's no eligible spouse. The amount is small, but you have two years to claim it. Call 1-800-772-1213 with the death certificate and Social Security number on hand.

For veteran families, the VA burial allowance is substantially more meaningful. It can reach up to $2,000 depending on the circumstances, with a separate plot allowance of up to $1,002 and $441 more toward a headstone when the VA doesn't supply one. Discharge must have been anything other than dishonorable. Call 1-800-827-1000.

FEMA can provide funeral assistance after a presidentially declared disaster. The COVID-era program ended in September 2025. This isn't a route for typical deaths, but it exists for future declared disasters.

What Maryland provides

Maryland has two distinct state-level programs, and they serve different situations.

For families who lost someone to homicide, the Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board covers up to $10,000 in funeral expenses. That limit rose as of July 1, 2025. Eligible claimants include the surviving spouse or child, someone who took on responsibility for the funeral costs, or a person who depended on the victim for support. The crime must have been reported within 48 hours. To apply or ask questions, call 1-888-679-9347 or visit gocpp.maryland.gov/victim-services/cicb.

For families where the deceased was already receiving state benefits at the time of death, Maryland's DHS burial fund can pay up to $650 toward funeral costs when the total bill doesn't exceed $2,500. It covers people who were on Supplemental Security Income, state cash aid, state disability payments, Medicaid, and several other benefit programs. The fund pays the funeral director directly and can't reimburse costs already paid, so call DHS before arrangements are finalized at 1-800-332-6347 or contact your local county social services office.

Who to reach first

The order matters here:

• If the death was a homicide, call the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at 1-888-679-9347 before finalizing arrangements if possible.
• If the deceased received public assistance, call Maryland DHS at 1-800-332-6347 before the funeral is paid for — reimbursement isn't available after the fact.
• For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213.
• For VA benefits, call 1-800-827-1000 and ask about VA Form 21P-530EZ.

Keep copies of the death certificate, the itemized funeral home bill, and any receipts. Both state programs require documented costs.

Reducing the cost on your own

Assistance fills part of the gap. The rest often comes from making different choices about what kind of service to hold.

Direct cremation is the most affordable path. There's no embalming, no formal viewing, and no casket purchase required upfront. The cremation happens first, and the memorial — if you want one — comes later. Many Maryland families find that a gathering at home, or at a place that mattered to the person who died, feels more personal than a rushed funeral home service ever could.

If burial is what your family wants, buying a casket from a third-party seller is your right under federal law. Funeral homes must accept outside caskets and cannot charge a handling fee. Our guides break these options down in detail, and you can compare some caskets below.