Part of Death

Funeral benefits

Funeral benefits may be available to help pay for funeral arrangements for eligible Albertans.

Overview

Funeral benefits are available to help eligible low-income Albertans when other programs or sources of funding to cover funeral costs are not enough. Funeral benefits help cover the costs of a funeral service and burial or cremation for eligible Albertans.

These benefits can also help cover the cost to transport remains to another province or territory within Canada.

Eligibility

Deceased Albertans who were receiving benefits through the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Income Support programs are eligible for funerals benefits if they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

Albertans with low income may also be eligible if they meet the criteria listed below.

Reimbursements

If you have already paid for funeral benefits for a deceased loved one, you may be eligible for a reimbursement, if eligibility criteria are met. The standard application process is used to apply for a reimbursement. See How to apply below. 

For deceased AISH clients 

If an invoice was paid in full prior to the application being submitted, AISH may provide reimbursement if the request is received within 6 months of when the expense was incurred, if eligibility criteria would have been met at the time of payment. 

For deceased Income Support clients and low income Albertans

If there was an emergency situation requiring the expense be paid immediately, and all other eligibility criteria were met at the time of payment, and the funeral services were paid for within the last 6 months, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

What is covered

Effective January 1, 2025, the following rates apply for funeral benefits for burial or cremation within Alberta:

Funeral BenefitRate
Funeral expenses for burial or cremationActual cost up to $4,510
Funeral ceremonyActual cost up to $1,020
Embalming – Embalming is provided when deemed necessary by an embalmer licensed under section 20 of the General Regulation to the Funeral Services ActActual cost up to $765
Additional transportation (within Alberta) – A transportation rate is provided, after 20 kilometres outside of the funeral service provider’s municipality, for required transportation and attendant servicesActual cost up to $1.13 per kilometre
Cemetery – Cemetery fees are provided for a single cemetery plot or alternate resting place, perpetual fees, grave opening and closing fees plus winter fees (if applicable) and a grave liner, if required by the cemeteryActual cost for cemetery fees. Note: a maximum of $3,060 is provided for the placement of remains in an alternate resting place within a cemetery, including a single columbarium niche or mausoleum crypt

Important

If you are approved for a funeral benefit from the AISH or Income Support programs, including those who are approved as a low income Albertan who was not receiving benefits from these programs when they passed away, you can get a cemetery burial plot for half (50%) of the regular cost. This requirement is outlined in the Cemeteries Act (section 12).  

Alternatively, a benefit to transport the deceased individual to another province or territory (within Canada) for burial or cremation may be provided at the actual reasonable cost. This benefit only covers transportation costs and does not cover any funeral expenses for burial or cremation in the province or territory the deceased individual is transported to.

Additional funds may continue to be provided for exceptional circumstances such as health and safety related expenses, oversized caskets, and extended safe sheltering of remains. 

Exception requests for an amount above the maximums identified above will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants need to determine if they will request an exceptional amount, based on their circumstances.

These exceptions may be requested when applying (if all the required documents are available) or after you have been approved and arrangements are being finalized.

Required documents

You must provide documents as part of the application.

Who can apply

The person applying for funeral benefits should be the person who is able to make final arrangements for the deceased.

The applicant does not have to be:

  • a spouse or partner
  • legal sponsor
  • parents of a deceased dependent child

However, the applicant will need to coordinate with any of the people listed above to gather the required information to complete the application.

How to apply

Apply online for funeral benefits

Forms and resources

The following include application forms and user guides in PDF format for each client group.

Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.

After you apply

Funeral benefits program staff will review your application. This usually takes between 24 and 72 business hours (1 to 3 business days).

A staff member may reach out by email, phone or letter to clarify information and will work with you to collect all the information required to make a decision. Once a decision is made, a staff member will send a letter, first by email, and then again by mail, with the approval or denial details.

If approved, the letter will explain:

  • the maximum amount you are entitled to for the goods and services requested
  • who to contact with questions

If denied, the letter will explain:

  • the reason you were denied
  • who to contact with questions
  • how to provide additional information, if necessary
  • your options, including the right to appeal the decision

Payment

Once approved, a payment will be issued. In most situations, the approved payment is forwarded directly to the funeral service provider and cemetery, if applicable.

If you are responsible survivor of the deceased (includes the spouse or partner of the deceased, or a parent of a deceased dependent child), you can choose to have the payments sent directly to you. Note, by choosing this option, you agree to pay all service providers yourself.

Appeal a decision

If you were denied benefits or the full amount requested, you may appeal the decision. Details are provided in your email or letter of denial.

If you have any questions, or need clarification, contact us.

Contact

Connect with the Health and Funeral Benefits Unit if you have questions:

Office hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-638-4443 (Edmonton)
Toll-free: 1-855-638-4443
Email: scss.funeralbenefits@gov.ab.ca

Fax

To: Health and Funeral Benefits Unit
Subject line: Funeral Benefits Application
Fax: 780-643-9228 (Edmonton)
Toll-free fax: 1-855-643-9228

Mail

Health and Funeral Benefits Unit
Seniors, Community and Social Services
Government of Alberta
PO Box 805 Stn Main
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 2L4