Losing a loved one is an emotionally and financially challenging experience, and the cost of funeral services can add significant stress during an already difficult time. There are a few options available for those seeking low-cost or free cremation in Las Vegas.
This comprehensive guide will help you find a program that may offer you financial assistance during this difficult time.
Clark County Social Services
Neither the state nor the city offers financial assistance for burials or cremation, but Clark County has funds available for covering burial or cremation expenses. Under Nevada statute 428.070, the deceased must have been a resident of the county and meet financial requirements based on household size.
Clark County accepts referrals from funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries that are contracted through the county. You can find a list of these organizations and locations on the Clark County Social Services website.
These funds are typically reserved for those declared indigent, who may have no real source of income or assets.
Local Funeral Homes
Some local funeral homes have partnerships with charitable organizations to help defray costs, so you may want to talk to them to see what is available. However, these programs are generally limited to low-income residents.
Charitable Organizations
Several charitable organizations may be able to provide funding for Las Vegas free cremations. Such services, which often target specific situations or those affected by certain afflictions, include:
- American Red Cross of Southern Nevada: Military families
Call (877) 272-7337. - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Deaths from natural disasters
Apply on the FEMA website. - HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust): Blues musicians and families
Call (901) 527-2853 ext. 13. - Kailee Mills Foundation: Fatal vehicle crashes
Apply on their website. - Pinetop Assistance League (PAL): Professional stage musicians
Apply on their website. - The Angel Fund: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Call (855) 824-7941. - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Honorably discharged veterans
Apply on the VA website. - U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs – Division of Human Services: Native Americans
Call 602-379-6600.
There are organizations that may help with free cremation in Las Vegas for the loss of children.
- American Children’s Cancer Benevolence Fund (ACCBF): Children with cancer.
Call (813) 550-8999. - Cael’s Angels Association: Stillbirths.
Call (63) 785-4173 - Rhett Sullivan Foundation: Unexpected loss of a child aged 20 weeks to 2 years old.
Apply on their website. - Skyler’s Gift Foundation: Newborns with complications from premature birth.
Call (917) 779-0519. - The TEARS Foundation: Infant deaths
Call (253) 200-0944. - The Luca John Foundation: Infants 12 months or younger or stillborn.
Call (866) 613-2716 - The Finley Project: Infant deaths.
Call (407) 463-7576
Many of these programs also offer additional services, such as helping fill out paperwork and providing emotional support.
Religious Organizations
Many churches or religious organizations may be able to help with financial assistance to members of those who belong to their faith community. There are often benevolent societies within these religious organizations that are set up to help families in need.
Whole Body Donation
Another option for Las Vegas free cremations is to make a whole body donation through United Tissue Network (UTN).
UTN is a nonprofit organization that coordinates whole body donation, placing cadavers with reputable medical research and educational facilities. UTN has helped more than 12,000 families make this important contribution to the advancement of medical science and reduce the financial burden of a loved one’s passing.
UTN pays 100% of the costs for transporting the deceased to a qualified research facility, cremation after research has concluded, and return of the cremated remains to the family upon request.
To donate through the United Tissue Network, you must complete a registration process and meet their donor criteria, although most donors are accepted. Even those of upper ages or with cancer, heart disease, and other afflictions are generally accepted to help researchers and doctors study disease progression. The only automatic disqualifiers are those with communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. This is necessary to ensure the safety of researchers and scientists.
Making a whole body donation is a selfless gift that can benefit the generations to come. Many families ease their financial burden with a free cremation in Las Vegas and also take comfort in knowing that the passing of a loved one is serving a noble purpose.
Call 877-738-6111 to talk to a UTN Donor Service Coordinator to discuss whole body donations.