Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA).
Help paying in Minnesota
The county board in the county where the person died. No dollar amount in the law. The county pays for cremation, or burial when cremation goes against the person's wishes, when there is not enough money and no spouse able to pay. Official page
Medicaid and burial money
Medical Assistance does not count assets set aside for burial, to the same extent the federal SSI program does not count them. Burial funded by an annuity or life insurance must name the estate as backup beneficiary for any money not used for burial (Minn. Stat. 256B.056).
Prepaid funeral plans
All money paid to a funeral provider for preneed goods and services must be held in trust and deposited in an insured account within 15 calendar days. The trust is revocable unless you limit it. You can cancel a revocable trust at any time and get all principal and interest within 15 business days. An irrevocable trust can be cancelled for a full refund until midnight of the third business day.
Where to complain
The Minnesota Department of Health regulates preneed trust accounts. Consumer complaints go to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office (Minn. Stat. 149A.97). Website
Plan ahead
A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. Final expense in Minnesota.
Common questions
How much does a funeral cost in Minnesota?
Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023 and $6,280 with cremation. Prices in Minnesota vary by funeral home, so ask for the itemized price list.
Is there help paying for a funeral in Minnesota?
County paid cremation, burial and funerals (Minn. Stat. 261.035) (The county board in the county where the person died).
Who regulates funeral homes in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Health regulates preneed trust accounts. Consumer complaints go to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office (Minn. Stat. 149A.97).
