Right after it happens
What happens to the body if I can't afford a funeral?
Short answer
You can ask about direct cremation — the lowest-cost option, usually $700–$2,000 in California. If you truly cannot afford anything, ask the county public administrator or coroner's office about indigent burial or county cremation. You will not be abandoned.
What this usually means
You can ask about direct cremation — the lowest-cost option, usually $700–$2,000 in California. If you truly cannot afford anything, ask the county public administrator or coroner's office about indigent burial or county cremation. You will not be abandoned.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.