HRA Burial Assistance

Money toward funeral costs for a deceased low-income New York City resident. HRA's Office of Burial Services can pay up to $1,700 toward the funeral bill (burial, cremation or burying of ashes), either to reimburse costs already paid or pre-approved for a planned funeral.

NYC HRA states:

• The burial allowance is available to low-income decedents that do not have resources or assets available to pay for their funeral. Proof may include receipt of HRA benefits such as cash assistance, SNAP, or social security benefits including SSI.
• A legally responsible relative (a spouse or parent of a deceased minor under age 21) who applies must also be unable to pay the funeral bill and meet the low-income criteria.
• If the funeral bill exceeds $3,400, the cost of the burial plot, grave opening, or cremation is deducted from the total; if the remaining bill is less than $3,400, an allowance will be approved.
• OBS assesses each case individually after an application is submitted.

The person responsible for funeral arrangements (or their authorized representative) must apply within 120 days of the date of death. Apply online 24/7 and upload documents.

• Burial Allowance Application Form M-860W, completed and signed by the applicant or authorized representative: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/benefits/burial_claim_app_en.pdf
• One original certified copy of the Death Certificate (it will be returned to you)
• A copy of the Funeral Contract (Statement of Goods and Services Selected), signed by the Funeral Director and the person who made the arrangements
• A copy of the cemetery or crematory bill, itemizing all charges
• The original itemized funeral bill, signed by the Funeral Director and notarized; stamped "Paid-in-Full" if you are seeking reimbursement
• If money is still owed to the funeral home: the original Funeral Director's Affidavit, signed and notarized: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/benefits/M-860n-E.pdf