Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)
Eligible families can receive a maximum of $6,500 for funeral and burial expenses. CICRF is a reimbursement fund, meaning that the funeral or burial expense must have already been incurred. Unfortunately, due to variable funding, the CICRF cannot guarantee in advance if they can cover an expense or the amount they can cover. Massachusetts families of children who had special healthcare needs or disabilities, whose income is 300% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and who have no other source of funding are eligible. Medical expenses must be greater than a certain percent of the family's annual income.
Learn more and access the application on the CICRF homepage or call 1-800-882-1435 (within Massachusetts), 617-624-6060, or TTY 617-624-5992.
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)
The Department of Transitional Assistance offers payment assistance for funeral and burial costs, with a maximum of $1,100 for eligible individuals. In order to be eligible for funeral and burial payment assistance, the total cost of the funeral, cremation, and burial cannot be more than $3,500. An outstanding balance must be owed upon the time to application and up to $1,100 can be provided directly to the funeral home. DTA only provides economic support for babies who took a breath.
Social Security Administration
If the baby was born alive and lived even briefly, some families may be eligible for a one-time death benefit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not provide direct support for burial costs after a stillbirth. However, the SSA offers a one-time Lump-Sum Death Payment (LSDP) of $255 to eligible survivors, which can be used for funeral or burial costs. To apply for the Lump-Sum Death Payment, individuals must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. Applications cannot be submitted online for this benefit. The application process can be initiated by calling the SSA’s national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting a local Social Security office.
TEARS Foundation
Provides financial aid for funeral expenses and emotional support to families who have lost a child due to stillbirth, miscarriage, or early infant death. The Foundation offers financial help for funerals of babies who were between 20 weeks gestation and 1 year old when they passed away. The Foundation has several funds to support families depending on the need and the gestational age or age of the baby. The application is submitted online and requires official documents from the funeral home. You can request assistance by submitting an application online and individuals must submit official documents from the funeral home.
The Tears Foundation also offers funds through the Luca John Fund. The Fund provides financial assistance for funeral expenses for children who have passed away 12 months or younger regardless of cause, as well as emotional support. The Luca John Foundation has now merged with The Tears Foundation to become the Luca John Fund and continues to offer this much needed service to grieving families.
Angel Names
Provides financial assistance to current residents of the United States with a baby that was at least 20 gestational weeks old, with no respirations, heartbeats or signs of life. The Securing End-of-Life Expenses (SEOLE), pronounced “soul,” program provides assistance with autopsy, funeral, burial and cremation expenses. Funding is sent to the service provider (i.e. funeral home). Families complete a brief Request for Assistance form and submit an itemized invoice/estimate from the service provider. Please submit completed forms to support@angelnames.org.
Rebeccas Reason
Provides financial assistance for medical bills and funeral expenses from the unexpected death of a child under 13 (including stillborn). Individuals can request for assistance with their application form and funding is provided directly to the creditor.
The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation
Provides financial assistance for high-risk pregnancies, NICU stays and funerals for infants up to 1 year. Families can apply for financial assistance and support is capped at $1,000 per family.
Final Farewell
Assists families with funeral-related expenses who've lost a child under the age of 18. Families can submit an application for assistance.
Tiny Hearts Remembered
Financial resource for those in need of assistance with hospital bills and/or burial experiences due to their pregnancy loss and infant loss. Financial assistance is based on funds available and a criteria-based application process. Families can contact Tiny Hearts for more information through their inquiry form.
Local churches and funeral homes
Many churches and funeral homes assist with burial costs or offer reduced services for infant and pregnancy loss.
Hospitals and perinatal loss programs
Some hospital social work departments have discretionary funds or partnerships with nonprofits that cover cremation or burial. Massachusetts General Hospital has published this guide on Resources for Final Arrangements (PDF).