Family, Children & Caregiving · Surprise rank #132
Can’t Afford a Funeral? Get NYC to Pay About $1,700 Toward It
Burial Assistance helps qualifying low-income families cover eligible funeral, burial or cremation expenses.
Who
Qualifying low-income NYC decedents and applicants meeting financial and documentation rules.
Where: NYC.
What to do
Start here: Contact HRA Burial Claims before finalizing arrangements and submit the application with invoices and estate information.
Eligibility: NYC residency of decedent, financial need, funeral-cost cap and required documents.
What you get
NYC may help pay burial or cremation expenses for a low-income deceased city resident when the estate and responsible relatives cannot cover the cost.
Benefit: Payment toward eligible funeral, burial or cremation expenses, up to the current city limit.
Possible value: Up to roughly $1,700 under the current program limit; verify before publication.
Good to know
Important: Narrow, reimbursement/payment rules and a short filing deadline; total funeral cost limits may apply.
Availability: Generally within 120 days of death.
Why people miss it: Families learn of it only after arranging an expensive funeral and may miss the deadline.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026