If you're planning on having your estate or Social Security pay for your funeral, know that those sources have limitations. Relying on your will to cover final costs can be tough on your family, as it's typically read after the funeral and can take months to be settled. Social Security life insurance makes a one-time death payment of $255 if you qualify, far less than you need to pay for a funeral, which can average $10,000 or more. Life insurance helps families bridge those final financial gaps, since it can be hard to save enough to cover all those expenses. By paying a smaller amount over time, you can ensure a larger payout after you're gone and peace of mind for those you leave behind.