If you simply can’t come up with the money to pay for burial or cremation costs, you still have options. To start with, if you can't afford to pay for burial costs, state or local governments may be able to provide financial assistance.
The Social Security Administration pays a small grant to eligible beneficiaries to offset some funeral costs. Also, other state and federal government programs may help with emergency funeral funds. Keep in mind federal funding may only be available for certain circumstances, such as when a loved one is eligible for veterans’ burial benefits.
You may also be able to raise money from crowdfunding or local charitable organizations.