We are available 24x7. Call (604) 856-2346 
In order to provide you with the best service possible, we have detected that you're from Vancouver. If this is incorrect, please select your city.
Resources & Frequently Asked Questions
Resources

Resources & Commonly Asked Questions

Can the BC government help pay for a cremation?

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction's burial or cremation supplement, and how to ask for it.

Updated September 29, 2026

If the estate of the person who died cannot pay for a burial or cremation, the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction may help through its burial or cremation supplement. The person who died, and their family, do not need to have been receiving income assistance.

Who qualifies

The supplement may pay the necessary costs for a person who dies in BC when their estate, and any responsible person, have no immediate resources to pay. It may also be paid for someone who was receiving BC income or disability assistance and died elsewhere in Canada, if the ministry approves it in advance.

A responsible person may be a spouse, a parent if the person who died was a minor, or the sponsor of a sponsored immigrant. If the estate or responsible person can pay part of the cost, the ministry may consider paying the rest.

Other relatives, friends and community groups are not responsible persons. If they pay for extras, such as an upgraded urn or a memorial service, it does not affect the supplement.

What it can cover

As of September 2026 (ministry rate table effective August 1, 2026), the supplement can include:

  • the funeral provider's service fee, up to $1,685. This must include moving the person who died up to 32 km within BC, registering the death, the burial or cremation permit, and preparing the person for cremation.
  • cremation fees
  • an urn, up to $200
  • a cremation plot or niche in BC at the lowest reasonable cost, if one is needed
  • transportation within BC beyond 32 km, at $1.25 per km, plus ferry fees at cost

What the ministry pays is a debt owed to the government. The ministry will try to recover it where it can, for example from the person's bank accounts, RRSP, the CPP death benefit, or an ICBC, WorkSafeBC or Last Post Fund claim.

How to apply

Ask for approval before any services are provided. The ministry requires pre-approval, and it repays costs that were already paid only in exceptional circumstances.

The legal representative applies. This is the person with the right to make the arrangements under section 5 of the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act, starting with the executor named in the will, then the spouse and other relatives in a set order. If no one is willing or able to act, ministry staff may make the arrangements themselves.

You can ask for pre-approval:

  • by phone, toll-free at 1-866-866-0800 (use the self-serve telephone system)
  • in person or by mail at a ministry or Service BC office
  • by fax to 1-855-371-8050

You may be asked for the name and address of the person who died and their Social Insurance Number, information about the income, assets and resources of the person who died and of the responsible person or legal representative, your name and relationship to the person who died, and the arrangements you are requesting.

A funeral provider can work with you on the request. Once the costs are approved, the ministry pays the funeral provider directly.

The full policy is in the ministry's Burial or Cremation Supplement policy. There is also a short ministry information sheet (PDF).

If you think you may need the supplement, contact us before arrangements are made and we can go through the steps with you.