Learn About Burlington Funeral Assistance Programs
"A Funeral should not be a financial burden".
Funeral Assistance for Burlington Families
Government Assistance for Funeral, Cremation and Burial Costs in Burlington
The unexpected loss of a loved one can place significant financial pressure on a family. Halton Region offers funeral financial assistance programs that may help eligible Burlington residents cover necessary funeral, cremation, or burial expenses when there are insufficient funds available through the deceased's estate.
Affordable Funeral Services helps Burlington families understand available assistance programs and navigate the application process during a difficult time.
24-Hour Assistance: 416-270-2436
Financial Assistance Available Through Halton Region
Halton Region may provide one-time financial assistance to help cover funeral expenses for eligible deceased residents whose estate lacks sufficient funds to pay for final arrangements.
To be considered for assistance:
- The deceased must have been a resident of Burlington or another Halton Region municipality.
- Financial eligibility requirements must be met.
- Household income may be assessed using Halton Region's Net Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) guidelines.
- Approval is subject to review by Halton Region Social Services.
Types of Funeral Assistance Available
Depending on eligibility, Halton Region may approve one of two levels of support.
Basic Funeral Assistance
This option generally provides coverage for a simple burial or cremation and may include:
- Transfer of the deceased
- Professional funeral services
- Cremation or burial arrangements
- Required documentation
- Standard cremation or burial container
Basic assistance typically does not include visitation services and only permits a graveside ceremony where applicable.
Traditional Funeral Assistance
Families who qualify may be approved for additional services including:
- Burial or cremation
- One visitation period
- A funeral service
- Professional funeral arrangements
- Required administrative services
The level of assistance provided depends on the circumstances of the deceased and the financial assessment completed by Halton Region.
Affordable Funeral Services is available to assist you at any time – 416-270-2436 (24 Hours)
Important: Apply Before Making Funeral Arrangements
Families seeking financial assistance should contact Halton Region before signing any contracts or making financial commitments with a funeral home or cemetery.
Before Applying
✔ Contact Affordable Funeral Services
✔ Contact Halton Region Social Services
✔ Gather required financial information
✔ Complete the eligibility review process
Avoid Doing This First
✘ Signing funeral contracts
✘ Making funeral payments
✘ Finalizing cemetery arrangements
Applying after arrangements have been finalized may affect eligibility for assistance.
Information Commonly Required
When applying, Halton Region may request documentation such as:
- Government-issued identification
- Birth certificates where applicable
- Immigration documentation where applicable
- Proof of residency
- Income information
- Banking information
- Estate information
- Life insurance details
- Property ownership information
Providing complete information can help avoid delays during the review process.
Who May Qualify?
Funeral assistance may be available when:
- The deceased resided in Burlington.
- The estate does not contain sufficient funds to cover funeral expenses.
- Household income falls within applicable program guidelines.
- There is limited or no life insurance available.
- Available assets are insufficient to cover final expenses.
Each application is assessed individually.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit
Families may also qualify for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit.
This federal benefit provides a one-time payment to the estate or eligible individuals on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor.
The CPP Death Benefit may provide up to $2,500, depending on eligibility and contribution history.
CPP benefits are separate from Halton Region funeral assistance programs and may be available in addition to municipal assistance.
Assistance for Veterans
If the deceased served in the Canadian Armed Forces or qualifies as a veteran, additional funeral and burial assistance may be available through the Last Post Fund.
Veteran assistance programs operate separately from Halton Region funeral assistance and may provide additional financial support for eligible veterans and their families.
We Can Help Guide You
Understanding government assistance programs during a time of loss can feel overwhelming. Affordable Funeral Services can help explain affordable cremation and burial options, discuss available assistance programs, and direct families to the appropriate Halton Region resources.
For official eligibility determinations and approvals, Halton Region Social Services remains the final authority.
Affordable Funeral Services
Available 24 Hours a Day
📞 416-270-2436
Contact Form: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of funeral assistance are available?
Halton Region may offer either Basic Funeral Assistance or Traditional Funeral Assistance depending on eligibility and financial circumstances.
What is the difference between Basic and Traditional Funeral Assistance?
Basic assistance generally covers a simple burial or cremation without visitation. Traditional assistance may include visitation, a funeral service, and burial or cremation.
Do I need to apply before making funeral arrangements?
Yes. Halton Region requires families to apply before signing funeral contracts or making payments.
Does the deceased need to live in Burlington?
Does life insurance affect eligibility?
What income information is reviewed?
Halton Region may review household income and compare it to applicable low-income guidelines.
Can cremation costs be covered?
Yes. Approved assistance may include cremation-related expenses.
Can burial expenses be covered?
Yes. Approved assistance may include burial-related costs and cemetery fees.
Is there assistance available for veterans?
Potentially. Eligible veterans may qualify for funeral and burial assistance through the Last Post Fund.
Can the CPP Death Benefit help pay for funeral expenses?
Yes. The CPP Death Benefit can help offset funeral expenses and may be available in addition to other assistance programs.
Can Affordable Funeral Services help me understand the process?
Yes. We regularly assist Burlington families in understanding funeral assistance programs and available resources.
Serving Families Throughout Burlington
Affordable Funeral Services proudly serves families throughout Burlington, including:

