Funeral Costs Assistance

The amount of funeral cost assistance varies depending on the place of death. However, the social welfare office only covers the costs that are directly related to the funeral and that are necessary for a simple but dignified and local burial. These costs, for example, are usually covered:

• Post-mortem examination  
• Simple coffin with inlay
• Simple flower arrangements
• Preparation of the deceased
• Laying out and simple decoration at the funeral service, organ playing, funeral speaker or clergyman
• For cremation: cremation and simple urn
• Transfer to the cemetery
• Opening and closing of the grave
• Initial planting of the grave

• Public fees

  Important: There may be differences from case to case depending on the location. For example, it depends on the place of burial whether the costs for a simple headstone or a simple grave slab can be covered by the social welfare office. Under certain circumstances, a wooden cross with the name may also be sufficient.

Costs incurred as a result of the death and not the funeral itself are generally not covered by the social welfare office. These include costs for

• Travel
• Mourning clothes
• Obituary
• Organization of a (subsequent) funeral service
• Extension of the burial rights

The "reasonableness" of bearing funeral costs is always examined on a case-by-case basis. Firstly, the financial circumstances of the person responsible for the funeral play a role. If the person liable for the funeral is in need, they cannot be expected to bear the funeral costs for this reason alone. This is not the case if an existing inheritance can be used.

In addition to the financial situation, the family relationship and the personal relationship with the deceased must also be taken into account. The closer this relationship was, the more likely it is that the costs of the funeral will be borne by the deceased.

Important: A lack of personal closeness between the person liable for the funeral and the deceased alone is not sufficient to establish the "unreasonableness" of bearing the costs. However, bearing the costs can be deemed unreasonable in exceptional cases. This is the case, for example, if the deceased person has demonstrably committed serious misconduct towards the family member responsible for the funeral (such as physical violence or sexual abuse). Breaking off contact or neglecting care or upbringing, on the other hand, is not sufficient.  

The social welfare office may only cover part of the funeral costs. This applies in the following cases, for example:

• The person's own income and assets are sufficient to pay for part of the funeral themselves.
• There are other people who have to bear the costs of the funeral.

The applicant must submit the following documents (together with the completed application):

• Copy of the death certificate
• Proof of life and/or death benefit insurance for the deceased person
• Proof of the amount of the estate
• Copy of the deceased person's last pension statements (widow's, old-age, disability and other pensions)
• If already available, copy of the appointment of the funeral home
• If an official burial has taken place: Notification of benefits from the public order office

If social benefits such as citizen's allowance, basic income support or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act are received:

• Account statements of all accounts from three months before the date of death until the date of application of the applicant and all persons living with them in the household
• the respective approval notice

Important: The date on which the claim for costs becomes due is decisive for the assessment of need. This can be determined, for example, on the basis of the contract with the funeral parlor or the regulatory fee notice from the municipality.

If no social benefits are received:

• Proof of income (for example, income statements, notification of benefits from the employment office, certificate from the health insurance company regarding the amount of any sickness benefit received, proof of maintenance payments, pension certificates of the applicant and all household members)
• Proof of current accommodation costs (e.g. the last rent increase letter, in the case of property, proof of all expenses such as property tax, ancillary costs, refuse collection, chimney sweep, etc.)
• Proof of all existing insurance policies (policies, most recent premium invoices from, for example, household contents/liability insurance, Riester insurance, death/life insurance for the applicant and all household members); proof of the current surrender value is also required for asset-building insurance policies
• Possible proof of special burdens
• Proof of existing assets (such as savings books, savings contracts, shares, etc.)
   

Important: The documents required may vary from region to region. Your responsible office will inform you which documents must be submitted.

You do not have to observe any official deadlines. It is recommended that you clarify the question of cost coverage with the responsible office in good time, if possible before the funeral. Advice can then be given as to which costs for the funeral can be covered.

If it is not reasonable to assume the funeral costs, the social welfare office will bear the costs. If the deceased person was receiving social assistance, the social welfare office that granted this benefit is responsible. Otherwise, the social welfare office of the place of death is responsible. 

If the deceased person leaves an inheritance, the heirs are first and foremost obliged to pay the funeral costs. This includes, for example

• persons entitled to inherit who have not waived their inheritance
• the spouse
• the registered civil partner
• (adult) children
• parents
• (adult) siblings
• grandparents
• (adult) grandchildren 

If there is no spouse or partner, the children must cover the costs. If the deceased person has no children either, other relatives will be checked to see if they are obliged to cover the costs.

If there are no heirs or the inheritance has been waived, the obligation to cover the costs may also arise from maintenance regulations.

If no person can be determined from inheritance and maintenance law, an obligation may arise from state cemetery and burial regulations. The regulations may vary depending on the federal state. As a rule, they are directed at the next of kin. A person who has disclaimed an inheritance may also be obliged to bear the costs under these regulations.