DPW Increases Payments for Burial or Cremation

By Jeffrey A. Marshall, CELA*

The Department of Public Welfare has adopted final rules to govern its payment to funeral directors for burial and cremation services. The new rules increase the maximum payment to funeral directors for burial or cremation services to a standard $750 for all eligible individuals. They also increase the maximum level of contributions that may be made by another agency or individual towards burial expenses without reducing the Department payment. This amount is increased from $180 to $750. Additionally, the final rules eliminate several restrictive requirements for burial, thus allowing families and funeral directors more flexibility and choice in planning and selecting burial goods and services.

Click here for more information on the new regulations.

The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) will provide payment for burial and cremation services on behalf of eligible individuals including:  

• Individuals who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Individuals receiving cash benefits from DPW prior to death.
• Individuals who were found eligible for cash assistance prior to death.
• Residents of nursing homes who received SSI or nursing home care payments prior to January 1, 1973, continuously to the present.

Eligibility for assistance with burial costs is determined by the local County Assistance Offices (CAOs).

To receive payment, a funeral director must be registered as a provider with DPW. A funeral director may register by contacting:

Additional information on eligibility rules and payment may be found at: Office of Income Maintenance (OIM) Manuals.  

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