Photo credit: Carmen 56
The Human Resources Administration (HRA) will provide financial assistance to low-income New York City residents who may be eligible for up to $1,700 in financial assistance to meet funeral expenses for a deceased low income New York City resident family member or friend.
To address the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, DSS/HRA issued an emergency rule increasing the burial allowance from $900 to $1,700 and increasing the cap on burial costs from $1,700 to $3,400.
HRA also extended the timeframe for when you can apply to 120 days from the date of the individual‘s death. Applications received on or after March 12, 2020 will be considered for the increased burial assistance allowance. All applications received will be reviewed regardless of immigration status.
Required documentation to apply
The individual who makes the funeral arrangements or his/her representative must file an application with the Office of Burial Services by mail, in-person at 33-28 Northern Blvd., 3rd Flr., Long Island City, NY 11101, by email at BurialServices@hra.nyc.gov, or by fax at 917-639-0476.
Please include any supporting documentation with your application or bring it with you to the initial interview.
Documents:
• A Burial Allowance Application Form M-860W completed and signed by the applicant.
• One original certified copy of the Death Certificate (it will be returned to the applicant.)
• A copy of the Funeral Contract also known as the Statement of Goods and Services Selected. The contract must be signed by the Funeral Director and by the party who made the funeral arrangements. The required sequential invoice number must appear on the document.
• A copy of the cemetery or crematory bill, itemizing all charges.
• Original itemized funeral bills signed by the Funeral Director and notarized in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds. The funeral bill must be stamped “Paid-in-Full” if the charges have been paid.
• Original fully completed Funeral Director’s Affidavit forms signed by the Funeral Director and notarized in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds, if there is money still owed to the funeral establishment.
• Information and documentation regarding the decedent’s available assets/income as of the date of death, and those of the applicant (if the applicant is a legally responsible relative) is required on each case.
• The Office of Burial Services may request any other documentation which may be necessary to make an eligibility determination based upon the particular facts and circumstances of each case. For cases where the burial or cremation has not taken place and assistance is needed please contact us.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our office hours are limited, we are open to the public on Wednesdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Our office is now located at:
33-28 Northern Blvd
3rd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 718-473-8310.
Related Images:
