The Travis County Burial Program provides assistance for those individuals and families who have no resources to cover the cost of a burial or cremation.
Important to Know
Eligibility
We can only assist Travis County residents.
You will need a written referral from a funeral home to qualify.
Timeline
If you don’t provide all required documents, it may result in the delay or denial of your request.
Cost
If you qualify, it is free to receive Burial Services from Travis County.
How to Apply
Contact a funeral home for referral
Contact a Travis County contracted funeral home of your choice or call the Burial Program for a referral.
A written referral from one of the county’s contracted funeral home is needed before meeting with a Travis County Burial Staff.
Wait to be contacted by a caseworker
Once the Travis County Burial program receives a referral, a burial caseworker will be assigned to your case.
A burial caseworker will reach out to the legal next of kin to get information about the decedent, and proof of kinship.
They will also provide you with a program application and release.
Provide required information
The caseworker will collect information about the decedent and the legal next of kin, including:
- Photo ID for all Legal Next of Kin and Decedent (for example, Driver License, Military ID, State ID, Government Issued ID, etc.)
- Social Security Card/ Number for Decedent (if available).
- Proof of relationship between decedent and legal next of kin (Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Legal Documents, etc.)
- Proof of Travis County Residency
- For Veterans, DD214 (military service records).
If the legal next of kin lives out of county, the burial caseworker can email, mail, or fax paperwork to the legal next of kin.
Determine eligibility
A burial caseworker will determine eligibility for assistance.
Eligibility will be determined based on the decedent’s income for the last 30 days.
If the decedent resides with the legal next of kin, all household income will be included.
Income eligibility is determined based on the federal poverty level.
Wait for approval
Once all required documents are completed and returned, the application will be reviewed.
Schedule the burial or cremation
If the application is approved, the burial caseworker will work closely with the cemetery and the legal next of kin to schedule the burial or cremation.
Related Resources
Apply for Assistance
Travis County may be able to help you with access to a food pantry, home repairs, weatherization, social work, utilities, and more.
Learn more about your options.
Health & Human Services
We provide accessible, person-centered services with respect and care.
