What does the Burial Assistance Program provide?
The Burial Assistance Program provides a maximum of $1,000.00 towards the cost of a burial or $650.00 towards the cost of a cremation. Assistance is provided if the deceased is determined eligible and the total cost of the burial or cremation is no more than $2,000.00. The total cost of a burial for a deceased person requiring an oversized casket cannot exceed $3,000.00. Burial Assistance payments are made directly to the contract funeral home selected by the decedent’s next of kin.
Who is eligible?
An individual may be eligible if the money available to the deceased on the date of the death does not exceed $1,000.00. This amount includes any remaining money from banking and checking accounts, Social Security checks, final paycheck, etc. When determining eligibility, the income and assets of his/her spouse (if married) or parents (if a minor child) will be considered. To be eligible, the deceased must be a resident of the District of Columbia, even if death occurs outside of the District of Columbia. Also, burial or cremation services must be arranged through a funeral home under contract with the District and the deceased’s body must not have been released to a non-contract funeral home at the time of the application.
What funeral homes are under contract to the District for this program?
Capitol Mortuary Inc
1425 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Telephone: (202) 399-6999
Email: [email protected]
D.L McLaughlin Funeral Home
2518 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020
Telephone: (202) 889-7111
Email: [email protected]
Where do I apply for assistance?
1. Online (The Fastest Way)
Use the District Direct Online Portal
2. Mobile App
Use the District Direct Mobile Application. The app is available for iPhone (IOS) on Apple App Store or for Android Devices at the Google Play store.
3. Paper Application (Mail, Email, In-Person, or Fax)
Download the Burial Assistance Application
Email your scanned and signed application to [email protected]
Mail your signed application to:
Department of Human Services | Economic Security Administration
IDA/ Burial Assistance Program
645 H Street NE 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
Fax the Application to (202) 671-4400
In-Person at the Service Center closest to you between 7:30 am to 4:45 pm, Monday through Friday.
What should I bring when I apply?
- Please bring documents that:
- Verify income and assets, such as pay stubs and bank account statements for the deceased and his/her spouse if married (or parents, if a minor child);
- Verify that the deceased is a District resident (e.g. lease, utility bill);
- Establish your relationship to the deceased (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate;
- SSN of the deceased.
Where can I get more information?
-
Call the ESA Burial Assistance Unit at (202) 698-6663 or (202) 478-5753