Financial & Legal Concerns After a Child's Death
This page is intended to offer support and guidance for families coping with the tragic loss of a child in the hospital, presenting information on managing funeral costs and accessing financial assistance. We explore options like payment schedules with funeral homes, emergency support from Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as well as nonprofit organizations that can alleviate some of the financial burden.
Additionally, this page provides insights on using life insurance, reaching out to community resources for emotional support and fundraising, and navigating benefits for military families and social security recipients. Important information regarding the obtainment of death certificates and contact details for essential services is also included to assist families during this profoundly difficult time.
Funeral Expense Hardship
Although the prices of funerals can vary greatly, any funeral can be unexpectedly expensive. Many families find they have some difficulty paying for a funeral. Here are some suggestions for ways to approach the cost of a funeral:
The funeral home may be able to work out a payment schedule for you. However, the funeral homes that cost the least typically do not take payment plans and require payment prior to any service. Often the funeral director knows about local resources and can provide direction on seeking this financial support. In addition, many funeral homes will offer very discounted rates for their services when a child has died, so it can be very helpful to ask regardless of your financial need.
If your child received CSHCS it is important to notify them of your child’s death. CSHCS may have additional information about local community resources that may be able to provide financial and emotional support. They will also be able to assist you with communication to your child’s various medical teams.
DHHS offers emergency burial money to go towards the expenses of a funeral or cremation, but does not cover the full amount. To see if you qualify, please contact your local county DHHS office before the burial or cremation takes place. DHHS will not reimburse families for these expenses, so it is important to apply as quickly as possible.
Contact family and friends, as well as clergy from local religious institutions, co-workers, community groups, or even a medical related support group to let them know of your need. Some families utilize online crowdfunding platforms to raise money for a funeral.
If you have purchased a life insurance policy for your child, you may use these funds to pay for funeral expenses. Sometimes the funeral home will consider this for payment of services even if the money is not yet available.
The Funeral Consumer Information Society's Michigan Branch can provide support particularly for low-income families and is part of a national organization that can provide information on resources available to help cover funeral costs.
If the child who died is a dependent of someone who served in the military, contact the VA to see if there are benefits to help with the funeral. A Service Officer can be helpful in guiding you through the process. You can also visit the VA website to view other burial benefits. Burial benefits available for eligible spouses and dependents include burial with the Veteran and perpetual care of the interment site. The spouse or dependent's name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran's headstone at no cost to the family. Spouses and eligible dependents are eligible for burial even if they predecease the Veteran and do not have to be interred in the same national cemetery as the Veteran. View additional information about burial benefits for veterans.
Other Resources
Final Farewell: Final Farewell offers aid, advice, and guidance to families for affordable child funerals across all backgrounds.
Ike & Ella Fund: The Ike & Ella Fund, a 501(C)3 Christian group, eases funeral costs for bereaved parents.
Six Feet Over: Six Feet Over, preventing suicide and aiding post-loss healing, offers financial assistance for funerals and other services in Michigan.
The Tears Foundation: TEARS Foundation aids with burial/cremation costs for families mourning a child, paying services directly.
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Death Certificate
It is the responsibility of the funeral director to have the death certificate filed. The funeral director will assist with the process, and give you an idea of the number of copies you will need. There is a cost for the certified death certificate but it is typically less expensive to get them following the loss from the funeral home rather than getting them through the County Clerk’s office at a later time.
If you need additional certified copies, you can obtain them from the County Clerk’s Office in the county in which the child died. Michigan Medicine is located in Washtenaw County.
