If you’re coping with the death of a loved one, and wondering where to find help for their funeral expenses, the city may have available support.
The Human Resources Administration (HRA) manages the Office of Burial Services, which offers financial assistance to cover the funeral costs for a New York City resident who has passed away. The payment can be issued directly to the applicant through pre-approval, or it can come in the form of reimbursement, if funeral expenses have already been paid.
How much can be covered?
The relative, friend, Organizational Friend, or authorized representative of the deceased can receive up to a maximum of $1,700 from OBS. This amount may go toward the cost of burial, cremation, or burying cremated remains.
For funeral bills more than $3,400, the cost of the burial plot, grave opening, or cremation will be subtracted from the total bill. If the remainder is less than $3,400, the burial allowance will be approved.
Who is eligible?
Generally, two criteria must be met to receive a burial allowance. First, the person who passed away must have been a New York resident who did not leave enough resources to cover their funeral. Proof of their income will have to be submitted, like a document showing their receipt of social services benefits, public assistance from HRA such as cash assistance, SNAP, or social security benefits.
Second, if the person applying for the burial allowance is the legally responsible relative, they will also have to show proof of financial difficulty, and that they are not financially able to cover the cost of the funeral expenses themselves..
The legally responsible relative is defined as a person legally married to the deceased, or the parent/legal guardian of a deceased person under 21 years old, who lived in the same household as the applicant at the time of death. To show proof of financial difficulty, they would have to provide documentation like receipt of public assistance or SNAP benefits.
Other types of applicants, such as a relative or friend of the deceased, are not required to provide their own financial information, according to the latest available instructions.
OBS makes the final decision on an applicant’s eligibility.
How can I apply?
The applicant who is responsible for funeral arrangements must apply within 120 days of their loved one’s passing. The Burial Allowance Application Form must be submitted with a death certificate, funeral contract, itemized bills, and supporting documents that show low-income status. More details on supporting documents can be found in the HRA Burial Services Outreach brochure.
The Burial Allowance Application Form, M-860W, is available online where it can be directly filled in, or printed and filled out manually. People can also call OBS to request an application, or visit the office in person.
Interested applicants can also visit the Office of Burial Services directly, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at:
HRA Office of Burial Services
33-28 Northern Boulevard
3rd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
Those who need assistance with filling out the application can call 718-557-1399.
To submit the application, an applicant can email BurialServices@hra.nyc.gov with the completed form attached, or mail it to the address above, or deliver it in person.
Is there a free burial site?
Hart Island has been the city’s public cemetery since 1869, located in the northeastern section of the Bronx and accessible by ferry from nearby City Island. People interested in using Hart Island as their loved one’s final resting place should contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer Outreach Unit at 212-447-2030 for information and assistance.
