Funeral not affordable? The social welfare office can step in
A death brings not only grief but often high costs. Anyone who has to pay for the funeral but cannot afford it is not alone: under certain conditions, the social welfare office covers the necessary funeral costs.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Apply for cost coverage →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Clarify the obligation
Who is obliged to bear the costs (e.g. heirs, persons liable for support)?
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2. Check reasonableness
Can they reasonably bear the costs from their own means? If not, § 74 SGB XII comes into consideration.
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3. Application to the social welfare office
Apply for coverage of the necessary funeral costs, preferably before expensive orders.
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4. Submit evidence
Enclose cost estimates/invoices and proof of your financial situation.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the burial if there is no money?
If those obliged to bear the costs (e.g. heirs or persons liable for support) cannot reasonably raise the funeral costs, the social welfare office covers the necessary costs of a simple, dignified funeral (§ 74 SGB XII). You file the application with the social welfare office, ideally early.
Which costs does the social welfare office cover?
The 'necessary' costs of a locally customary, simple funeral, not elaborate extras. What matters is your own reasonableness. So before applying, do not conclude any contracts beyond what is necessary, and submit cost estimates and proof of your financial situation.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.