The Department of Human Services will provide payment for burial and cremation services on behalf of eligible individuals.

Who is eligible for this service?

  • Individuals who received Supplemental Security Income or SSI.
  • Individuals receiving cash benefits from the Department of Human Services prior to death.
  • Individuals who were found eligible for cash assistance prior to death.
  • Residents of nursing homes who received SSI or nursing home care payments prior to Jan. 1, 1973, continuously to the present.

Eligibility for assistance with burial costs is determined by the local county assistance offices (CAOs).

To receive payment, a funeral director must be registered as a provider with DHS. A funeral director may register by contacting:

Department of Human Services
Office of Medical Assistance
DHS Enrollment
Bureau of Fee for Service Programs
P.O. Box 8045
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675

Toll Free: 1-800-537-8862, option 3

Additional information on eligibility rules and payment may be found at Office of Income Maintenance (OIM) Manuals.