City of Toronto Funeral and Burial Help for People with Low Income
City of Toronto Funeral and Burial Help for People with Low Income is a free service run by the City of Toronto for people who die while on Ontario Works or ODSP, and Toronto residents who die without enough money in their estate for a basic funeral. Checked on the official page on October 5, 2026.
You likely qualify if: The person died on Ontario Works or ODSP, or; Was a Toronto resident without enough money.
Free. Never pay anyone to apply.
Call 416-338-8888Send to someone who needs thisChecked on October 5, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 5, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
Toronto Employment and Social Services can pay for a basic funeral, burial or cremation when the person who died did not leave enough money. It covers funeral services, opening and closing the burial plot, and cremation with burial of the ashes or scattering. Services must be approved before you sign any contract.
Who qualifies
People who die while on Ontario Works or ODSP, and Toronto residents who die without enough money in their estate for a basic funeral. The person making the funeral plans applies.
You likely qualify if:
- The person died on Ontario Works or ODSP, or
- Was a Toronto resident without enough money
How to apply
- Office phone (Application Support Centre, option 4): 416-338-8888
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Other ways, if that one is quiet
Where else they are
Their website is toronto.ca/.../?accordion=funeral-expenses.
Good to know
- CostFree
- Their stepsIf the person was on OW or ODSP, contact the funeral home. The funeral director asks the City for approval. If not, call 416-338-8888, option 4. A caseworker looks at the money the person left. Wait for approval before signing any funeral contract.
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: call 2-1-1, any time
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- Approval before signing a funeral contract
Dates
The official page we read gives no date. Check it before you apply.
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.