Regarding ‘Maaser Ksaffim’

Question:

Could ‘maaser ‘money be used to pay funeral expenses, such as private’ Hevra Kadisha’ costs which are not covered by Bituach Leumi.?
בכבוד ובברכה.

Answer:

In general we do not use maaser money for a funeral, especially if it is the funeral of a parent. The reason is because we don’t use maaser money for personal mitzvos that we are obligated to do. However if the circumstances are such that you know of a niftar that his needs aren’t being met in a respectable way, such as if he won’t be buried in a respectable plot etc., then it would be tzedakah and you would be able to use maaser money.