Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance Resources in Arkansas

Last updated September 29, 2026

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences a family can face, and unexpected funeral costs can add serious financial strain. In Arkansas, several federal and state programs can help cover burial expenses or related costs — but they are spread across different agencies, each with its own eligibility rules and application process. Knowing where to start can make all the difference.

Your first call should often be to 2-1-1 Arkansas, a free, confidential helpline available 24/7 that connects residents to local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government programs that may offer burial assistance, grief support, or help with immediate household needs after a death. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to search by ZIP code.

Eligibility and benefit amounts for most programs depend on factors like the deceased person's work history, income level, and whether they were receiving public benefits at the time of death. Acting quickly matters — many programs have short windows for applications after a death occurs. The resources below are a practical starting point for families and the case managers supporting them.

Key programs in Arkansas

Social Security Administration (SSA) — Lump-Sum Death Payment

A one-time payment of $255 available to the surviving spouse or, in some cases, eligible dependent children of a deceased worker who had sufficient Social Security work credits. It does not cover full funeral costs but can offset a portion.

How to access: Contact SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) as soon as possible after the death. You can also visit your local Social Security office. The application must generally be filed within two years of the worker's death.

Arkansas Medicaid — Funeral and Burial Assistance for Recipients

Arkansas Medicaid may cover a limited funeral and burial benefit for individuals who were enrolled in certain Medicaid categories at the time of death and whose estate cannot cover costs. Coverage limits and conditions are set by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).

How to access: Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services at 1-800-482-8988 or visit a local DHS office to ask about burial assistance for a deceased Medicaid recipient. Funeral homes often work directly with DHS on these claims, so notifying the funeral home of the person's Medicaid enrollment is an important first step.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — Burial Benefits

Veterans who meet service and discharge requirements may be eligible for burial allowances, burial in a national cemetery (including Fayetteville National Cemetery in Arkansas), a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag. The burial allowance amount varies based on whether the death was service-connected and whether the veteran was receiving VA compensation or pension.

How to access: File VA Form 21P-530EZ (Application for Burial Benefits) online at va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000. The Arkansas Department of Veterans' Affairs can also assist at (501) 370-3820. Applications should be filed within two years of a non-service-connected death.

FEMA Funeral Assistance (COVID-19 — check current availability)

FEMA provided funeral assistance for COVID-19-related deaths through its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. Eligibility and availability may be limited depending on the program's current status. It reimbursed eligible expenses such as funeral services, burial or cremation, and related costs up to program limits.

How to access: Call FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance helpline at 1-844-684-6333 to check if the program is still accepting applications and whether the death qualifies. Do not apply online — phone applications are required for this program.

2-1-1 Arkansas — Local Burial and Emergency Assistance Referrals

Many counties in Arkansas have local nonprofits, churches, community action agencies, or county programs that provide small emergency burial assistance grants or help with immediate household expenses after a death (such as utilities or food). These vary significantly by county and are not consistently named across the state.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 (available 24/7) or visit 211.org and enter your Arkansas ZIP code to find programs available in your specific area. Specialists can connect you with county-level resources that may not be widely advertised.

Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance resources for Arkansas

GriefShare

Nationwide

Grief recovery support groups meeting in communities nationwide.

Visit

TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

Nationwide

24/7 support for families grieving the death of a military loved one.

1-800-959-8277
Visit

The Dougy Center

Nationwide

Support for children, teens, and families grieving a death, plus provider resources.

1-866-775-5683
Visit
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