Free Cremation in New Jersey | State Funeral Assistance


Free Cremation in NJ Through State Funeral Assistance
If your loved one was receiving Medicaid, SSI, or other state aid programs, you may be eligible to receive up to 100% of the cost of a direct cremation through the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

As a registered state-assistance provider, Cremstar handles all the complex paperwork for you so you can focus on your family


CRITICAL ELIGIBILITY NOTICE FOR NEW JERSEY FAMILIES
Because the State of New Jersey requires up to 7 days to verify and approve Medicaid funding, Cremstar can only accept State-Assistance cases if your loved one is currently located at a hospital morgue or a Medical Examiner’s office.

If your loved one passed away at home, in a hospice facility, or in a standard nursing home, we are legally unable to hold them while waiting for state approval. If you require immediate transport from a home or care facility, please review our affordable Direct cremations starting at $978.


How to Get Started in 3 Easy Steps
  • Step 1: Verify Location & Benefits
    • Ensure the deceased is currently at a hospital or ME's office and was receiving active benefits (Medicaid, SSI, or WorkFirst NJ/TANF).
  • Step 2: Call Our Dedicated State-Aid Line or Fill out our Online Form
    • Call us immediately at (888) 802-0999. Let our team know you are calling regarding a New Jersey State Assistance case. We will gather the necessary details to submit to the county caseworker.
    • Or, simply fill out and submit our online NJ Funeral Assistance Application form.
  • Step 3: Paperwork & Care
    • Once we initiate the verification process with the county, we coordinate the transfer of your loved one and manage the required state disclosures. Your loved one remains securely tracked via our digital system throughout the entire process.

Eligible New Jersey Assistance Programs
New Jersey provides funeral and burial allowances for individuals who were active in any of the following programs at the time of their passing:
  • Medicaid Only / Medically Needy(Residing in a nursing home or long-term care facility)
  • New Jersey Care / Community Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ/TANF/GA)
  • DYFS / Child Welfare Assistance

 If you are unsure of your loved one's specific benefit type but they are currently located in a hospital or ME morgue, call us at (888) 802-0999 and we will help you check their eligibility status.
 
If you are in immediate need because a death has already occurred, order a direct cremation now. If a death is imminent (i.e. in a matter of days or weeks), visit the Cremstar Cremation Cost Calculator for a price quote and to email yourself a customized "Order Now" link so that you're ready when the death occurs. If you are planning ahead and want to lock in a price for the future, visit our Planning Ahead for Cremation section.