End of Life Care: Information about Death Benefits

GENERAL RELIEF BURIAL FUNDS

If there are no funds for burial, the family should apply for General Relief Burial Funds through the Orange County Social Services Agency.

Apply to:

The General Relief staff will assist with the application process. If a specific mortuary has been selected, the family will need to check with the funeral director to determine whether or not the mortuary will give approval for a welfare funeral. Otherwise, the General Relief office will advise the family of another mortuary to call, based upon a list of participating mortuaries. The fund will pay for cremation only.

SOCIAL SECURITY

If the deceased had worked and paid into Social Security, the spouse may be eligible for a death benefit supplement to help with funeral expenses. This is only payable to a surviving spouse. Be prepared to provide a death certificate, Social Security number and employment history, if available. For more information about these benefits contact the Social Security office at 800/772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

VETERANS BENEFITS

Families of honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for certain funeral and burial benefits. The benefits include a large presentation flag, a basic burial allowance, transportation costs, memorial table allowance, insurance and other additional state and local benefits. The funeral director at the mortuary can help determine eligibility. Be prepared to provide the deceased's rank, serial number, branch of service, dates of service and discharge papers. In addition, you will need a copy of the death certificate, and if applicable, marriage certificate, divorce papers and children's birth certificates.

Veterans Affairs Information Line: 800/827-1000 or 310/478-3711

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