BURIAL EXPENSE ASSISTANCE

There are government programs that will pay a portion of the funeral expense of eligible individuals. Those programs include: the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Connecticut Dept. of Social Services (DSS), and the Veteran's Administration (VA).

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10008.html

Anyone receiving Social Security is entitled to a lump sum death benefit of $255. The benefit is paid only if there is a surviving spouse or surviving children under the age of 18.

CONNECTICUT DEPT. OF SOCIAL SERVICES
http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&q=305152

DSS will pay up to $1800, less any assets in the deceased’s estate, toward burial or cremation expenses of any individual. There is no restriction; however, assets may offset all or part of the benefit.

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/burials/Burial.pdf

Clink on the link above for more information on who is eligible, how much the VA pays, and how to apply.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: Burial/Cremation Expense Assistance

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PREPARED BY: 211/rj
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2012