Ops Memo 2014-54: TAFDC, EAEDC and SSP: Centralization of the Funeral and Final Disposition Benefit

Overview

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for paying funeral and final disposition expenses for: 

• any person who was without sufficient resources or financially responsible relatives to pay for funeral and final disposition expenses; or
• any person whose identity is unknown and found deceased.

A maximum of $1,100.00 may be paid, provided that the total expense of the funeral and final disposition does not exceed $3,500.00. If payment is made, the Department has preferred claims for reimbursement against the decedent’s estate and resources, if any exist.

Purpose of Memo 

Effective August 25, 2014, the Department will centralize all applications for the funeral and final disposition benefit in the Central Burial Unit (CBU) established as part of the Central Eligibility Processing (CEP) unit. Applications taken at the TAO through the close of business August 22, 2014 must be processed by the case manager.