Burial & Cremation

Burial & Cremation Assistance

From the state of Colorado

To Access Funds Available

You must apply to the County Department of Social/Human Services where the deceased individual resided. You can locate the county office online.

What are Social Security Death Benefits?

Eligibility Requirements

The deceased must have been a recipient of Aid to the Needy Disabled, Aid to the Blind, Colorado Supplement, Old Age Pension, or Medicaid while they were alive; and:


  • The estate of the deceased individual must be insufficient to pay reasonable expenses;
  • AND persons legally responsible for the support of the deceased individual are unable to pay because of insufficient resources.


The total cost for the funeral/burial/cremation cannot exceed $2,500. The maximum contribution from the Burial & Cremation assistance program will be reduced by the decedent’s estate. The County Department of Social (Human) Services will determine whether any funds are available from the decedent’s estate or from legally responsible persons that will reduce the Burial & Cremation assistance program benefit.


The maximum reimbursement depends upon the program from which the decedent received benefits.


  • For individuals aged 60 and over who were receiving Old Age Pension or Medicaid at the time of death or for individuals of any age who were receiving Medicaid benefits for families and children at the time of death, the Burial & Cremation assistance program contribution is limited to a maximum of $1,500.
  • For individuals who were receiving benefits from Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Aid to the Blind (AB), Colorado Supplement to AND or AB, or Supplemental Security Income/Medicaid-Only at the time of death, the Burial & Cremation assistance program contribution is limited to a maximum of $1,000.

Note: This information is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with appropriate legal advisors or the appropriate government agencies. It is possible that the information may not be current as the laws or government policies may have changed.