The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development (CSSD) Income Support Program provides financial assistance for the cost of basic funerals, including cremation or burials for individuals who were receiving Income Support benefits at the time of death and those who had low income and limited or no assets.
Income Support recipients at time of death
Families whose loved one was an Income Support recipient should call 1.877.729.7888 and request assistance with burial costs.
Low income individuals
Families whose loved one was not an Income Support recipient should call 1.877.729.7888 and complete an application to determine eligibility. The application will be completed over the phone and includes such things as funeral rates and financial resources left by the deceased.
Once all information is gathered the completed application is sent to the next of kin to be signed. The signed application and supporting documents must then be returned to Children, Seniors and Social Development for final review and determination of eligibility.
If the individual is eligible for the Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit and CSSD contributes towards the cost of the funeral, we will apply for the death benefit on behalf of the applicant.
Professional Fees: up to $5,000
- Funeral services (burial or cremation)
- Casket or urn
- Visitation up to 4 hours
- Funeral notice
- Grave set-up, including wooden liner
- Removal from place of death
- Embalming/preparation
Additional Expenses: up to $1,500
- Polyethylene grave liner
- Honorariums (Clergy, musician, chapel)
- Plot purchase, opening and closing of grave, columbarium/niche
Exceptional Circumstances: (Requires pre-approval)
- Oversize casket
- Flights for repatriation and remote coastal communities
- Other
Transportation Mileage: Over 8 km – $1.25/km
For more information, contact:
Phone: 1.877.729.7888 | Email: incomesupport@gov.nl.ca