---
title: Funeral Costs in New Jersey: Prices and Help Paying
url: https://coverfolk.com/funeral-costs/new-jersey
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Funeral costs in New Jersey

What it costs, who helps families with no money, and the New Jersey rules that protect you.

Updated October 8, 2026[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

New JerseyFuneral costs and help

The short answer

Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA). In New Jersey, between 51% and 60% of deaths led to cremation, per early 2025 numbers from the Cremation Association of North America.

## Help paying in New Jersey

**Funeral and burial payments (N.J.A.C. 10:90-8)**

County welfare agency where the person last lived (Work First NJ, SSI, and some others). Adult: up to $3,056 for the funeral and $714 for the cemetery. Ask within 30 days after burial or cremation. Kin can give up to $1,570 without cutting the payment. [Official page](https://nj.gov/humanservices/notices/documents/rule-proposals/PRN%202023-113%20(55%20N.J.R.%202311(a)).pdf)

## Medicaid and burial money

For NJ FamilyCare aged, blind, and disabled, up to $1,500 set aside for burial is not counted. A burial space is not counted. An irrevocable contract is not counted, but it lowers the $1,500. The State of New Jersey must be named to get any money left over.

## Prepaid funeral plans

The State Board of Mortuary Science oversees preneed. Money must go into a trust or funeral insurance within 30 days. Most plans can be canceled any time and the money must be given back. Irrevocable plans are only for people on Medicaid or likely to be within 6 months. You can move your plan to another funeral home at any time.

## Where to complain

New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science, Division of Consumer Affairs. Call 973 504 6425. [Website](https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mor/Pages/default.aspx)

## Plan ahead

A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. [Final expense in New Jersey](/states/new-jersey/final-expense).

## Common questions

How much does a funeral cost in New Jersey?

Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023 and $6,280 with cremation. Prices in New Jersey vary by funeral home, so ask for the itemized price list.

Is there help paying for a funeral in New Jersey?

Funeral and burial payments (N.J.A.C. 10:90-8) (County welfare agency where the person last lived (Work First NJ, SSI, and some others)).

Who regulates funeral homes in New Jersey?

New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science, Division of Consumer Affairs. Call 973 504 6425.

## Sources

1. [NJ DHS rule proposal PRN 2023-113](https://nj.gov/humanservices/notices/documents/rule-proposals/PRN%202023-113%20(55%20N.J.R.%202311(a)).pdf)
2. [N.J.A.C. 10:90-8.5 (Justia)](https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-jersey/title-10/chapter-90/subchapter-8/section-10-90-8-5)
3. [N.J.A.C. 10:90-8.4 (Justia)](https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-jersey/title-10/chapter-90/subchapter-8/section-10-90-8-4)
4. [DMAHS MC 18-08 funeral and burial](https://nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/documents/providers-stakeholders/resources/medicaid/2018/18-08_Clarification_of_Policy_on_Funeral_and_Burial_Expenses.pdf)
5. [NJ Consumer Affairs preneed brief](https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Consumer%20Briefs/preneed-funeral-arrangements.pdf)
6. [2023 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Inflation Increasing Faster than the Cost of a Funeral (NFDA)](https://content.nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral)