Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA). In Illinois, between 51% and 60% of deaths led to cremation, per early 2025 numbers from the Cremation Association of North America.
Help paying in Illinois
Illinois Department of Human Services, Funeral and Burial Unit. Up to $1,370 for the funeral and $686 for cremation or burial. Person must have been on TANF, AABD, or certain All Kids or Family Assist programs, or would have qualified. Call (217) 785 4216. Official page
Medicaid and burial money
For AABD cash and medical, an irrevocable prepaid burial contract is not counted up to $8,434 starting January 1, 2026. It was $8,212 before. The amount goes up each year with inflation.
Prepaid funeral plans
The Illinois Comptroller regulates preneed contracts. Sellers must send 95% of the price of services and goods to a trustee, and 85% for vaults, within 30 days. If you cancel a paid up trust contract before death, you get 95% back plus earnings (85% for vaults). If you cancel before it is paid off, the seller can keep the smaller of 25% or $300. A state fund can help if you do not get what you paid for.
Where to complain
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Preneed money complaints go to the Comptroller hotline (877) 203 3401. Website
Plan ahead
A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. Final expense in Illinois.
Common questions
How much does a funeral cost in Illinois?
Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023 and $6,280 with cremation. Prices in Illinois vary by funeral home, so ask for the itemized price list.
Is there help paying for a funeral in Illinois?
Funeral and Burial Benefits (Illinois Department of Human Services, Funeral and Burial Unit).
Who regulates funeral homes in Illinois?
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Preneed money complaints go to the Comptroller hotline (877) 203 3401.
