InfoSub - Welfare Assistance

www.OGMHognj.com
InfoSheet SubPage - Welfare Assistance

Ocean Grove Memorial Home
118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, New Jersey 07756

Thomas J. Saragusa, Manager
N. J. License No. 4036

VOICE 732-775-0434 - - OGMHognj@aol.com

Welfare Funerals - Division of Social Services

If the decedent was an established recipient of a state/county welfare program, such as General Assistance or Work First New Jersey or Aid to Dependent Children, the person assuming "Right of Burial" should let the funeral director know as soon as possible so he can determine if the County Division of Social Services will participate in the payment for funeral expenses.

If eligibility is determined, the County Welfare Board or the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) may pay up to a maximum of $1,970.00 for funeral merchandise and services and up to a maximum of $460.00 for the burial or cremation.

For funerals costing more than $2,430.00, it also allows families, friends and other interested parties to supplement the state’s maximum welfare funeral and burial payments with an additiional $1,570.00, to a maximum combined funeral payment of $4,000.00. These supplemental funds, however, can not be a resource of the decedent, as all resources of the decedent will reduce the state’s payment for the funeral, dollar for dollar. All “liquid” assets of the decedent (even if held by someone else) will be counted by the Welfare Board as assets to be used toward the payment of funeral expenses. The TOTAL of those countable assets must be paid to the funeral home prior to services by the funeral home.

Recipients of Medicaid Only, Medically Needy, Alternative Family Care, Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled, the Community Alternative Program, the New Jersey Care Special Medicaid Program for Aged, Blind and Disabled and a few other state assistance programs are eligible for outside supplementation as well.

Other than the aforementioned amounts, no additional funds may be contributed or the Welfare Board will reduce its commitment (dollar for dollar). The maximum cost of an adult “welfare” funeral is limited to $4,000.00.

If this source of payment is selected, such governmental participation must be verbally authorized by a supervisor of the Division of Social Services before the funeral home will proceed with arrangements.

To our knowledge, no other governmental agency makes any payment for funeral expenses, except, if the decedent is not eligible for Division of Social Services or Division of Human Services assistance and there is no estate and if the relatives and friends cannot afford or decline to accept the financial responsibility of final disposition, the Local Municipality where the decedent died is ultimately responsible for the final disposition of a decedent’s body. If the body of the decedent is actually "unclaimed," the local municipality will assume the responsibility for the final disposition and will pay as little as they can in arranging for final disposition of the unclaimed body with no ceremony.

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