Burial or Cremation Assistance

24 hour phone number: 515-243-4054

Volunteer, give blood, take a class, free smoke detectors 

Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc. The Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered – a grant or a loan. The Red Cross is the mechanism to expedite access to these financial resources.

You were ready to welcome a new life into this world. Then, the unimaginable occurred. We are truly sorry for your loss. We are here to help, and to remind you that you are not alone. Please read the qualifications below to see if you can apply for financial assistance.
 

• The family must be current residents of the United States.
   
• The baby was at least 20 gestational weeks old, with no respirations, heartbeats or signs of life.

SEOLE

The Securing End-of-Life Expenses (SEOLE), pronounced “soul,” program provides assistance with autopsy, funeral, burial and cremation expenses. Funding is sent to the service provider (i.e. funeral home). Families complete a brief “REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE” form and submit an itemized invoice/estimate from the service provider.

Disaster assistance, funding, and training. 

FEMA grants: FEMA grants

FEMA Funeral

• The COVID-19 incident period ended on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.
• FEMA Funeral Assistance is provided to help with the cost of unexpected and uninsured expenses associated with the death of an immediate family member when attributed to an event that is declared to be a major disaster or emergency.

FEMA forms

FEMA training

 Helps with the following claim forms: compensation, pension, burial, headstone application, education, dependency and indemnity, eligibility verification report, healthcare, insurance, dental, and home loans. Indigent veteran assistance is also available for housing, food, and utilities. Transportation for medical visits in coordination with RSVP/Jasper Co. Rides. 

Providing financial assistance for funeral expenses to families who have lost an infant child at 12 months or younger, or a stillbirth

Any family experiencing early child loss is welcome to contact us for assistance. Upon the loss of a young child, there is no part of your being that thinks about where to turn for financial or emotional support. We want to be that support.*

Eligibility for Assistance:

• The recent loss of a child between the age of 20 weeks gestation to 2 years old
• Anyone may contact the Rhett Sullivan Foundation for assistance, however, parents or legal guardians must be aware of the request.

Assistance can be provided for the following costs:

• Funeral
• Burial
• Monument
• Counseling

Skyler’s Gift’s primary goal is to help as many families as possible in this most difficult time of their lives. To maximize how many families receive assistance we rely on accurate financial information from applicants. Completion of this application does not guarantee financial assistance. You will be notified within 4 business days if approved for assistance. Skyler’s Gift Foundation will help with the funeral and burial or crematory costs of up to $1000. To apply for assistance please make sure that you fit the following criteria:

• Your baby was born at or after 22 weeks.
• Your baby passed away from prematurity-related causes.
• Your baby passed away in the NICU.
• Applications for assistance cannot be past 14 days from the day the baby passed away.
• Can prove financial need.
• The baby was under 6 months of age when he/she passed awa