Funeral & Burial Assistance
State’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and county social service agencies provide financial assistance for funeral, burial, or cremation costs for residents who were receiving specific public assistance programs at the time of death, or for indigent residents without assets.
Eligibility
The deceased must meet one of the following criteria at the time of death:
- WFNJ/GA beneficiaries who had been receiving benefits continuously for at least 6 months at the time of death.
- WFNJ recipients who passed away within the first 6 months of residency in a New Jersey public institution (excluding correctional facilities).
- New applicants whose benefits were approved within 15 days after their death.
- Recipients of community care programs (such as CCPED, AACAP, or Adult Foster Care).
- Participants in the NJ Workability Program.
*Note: Since there are various other eligibility categories, please contact your County Board of Social Services for specific inquiries.
NJ DHS Public Assistance Burial Allowance Rates (2026)
*Family Supplement: According to regulations, family members may contribute up to the specified amount to supplement the cost of the funeral services without affecting the state’s contribution.
*These rates are based on official NJ DHS regulations as cited by providers such as Whigham Funeral Home.
Coverage and Limitations
- Covered Items:
- Body preparation and disposition, casket, or urn
- Use of funeral home facilities and basic services
- Cemetery burial plot costs or cremation fees
- Excluded Items (Non-Covered Items):
- Fees for clergy, church use, or memorial hall rentals
- Costs for publishing obituaries or death notices
- Post-cremation expenses (such as scattering of ashes, niche interments, or other costs incurred after the cremation process)
- Other items not explicitly listed above
- Exclusions and Deductions:
- If the deceased leaves behind any assets (such as bank balances, life insurance, securities, real estate, or payments issued before or after death), the state will recoup these funds. However, this does not affect the actual allowance paid to the funeral director and the cemetery.
- If there is a pre-established Irrevocable Prepaid Funeral Account, those funds must be utilized first to cover funeral expenses. Any remaining balance after the funeral costs have been paid is subject to recoupment by the state.
Key Notes
- Prior Approval Required: It is very difficult to receive reimbursement after funeral costs have already been paid in full. The responsible party must request the Funeral Director to apply for Public Assistance Funeral before proceeding with the services.
- Asset Investigation: The state will investigate the deceased’s bank accounts. If the balance exceeds the support amount, the application may be denied.
- Supplement Limit: If family members pay an amount exceeding the Maximum Family Supplement ($1,570), the state’s contribution will be reduced by the exact amount of that excess.
Example: If the family pays $1,670 as a supplement ($100 over the limit), the state’s total funeral allowance for an adult will be reduced from $3,770 to $3,670.
How to Apply
Before or during the funeral arrangements, the Funeral Director must request eligibility verification and approval from the respective county on behalf of the family.
Contact
- Local county social service offices
- NJSFDA (NJ State Funeral Directors Association): 1-800-734-3712 | njsfda@njsfda.org
- Applying for the Social Security Lump-Sum Death Payment ($255):
- Eligibility: If the deceased had a Social Security work history, a one-time payment of $255 may be payable to a surviving spouse or child who meets specific eligibility requirements. If there is no eligible spouse, the payment may be made to a child who meets certain criteria.
- Application Deadline: Within 2 years from the date of death.
- How to Apply: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
- Social Security Administration website | SSA.gov
- AWCA provides expert consultations free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org)
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