Enhanced Provincial Government Funeral Benefits Now Among Best in Canada

The Provincial Government today announced a significant increase to rates paid to funeral homes to provide funeral services for people who received Income Support and other individuals experiencing low income at the time of their passing. The enhanced Funeral Assistance Benefit positions Newfoundland and Labrador rates as among the best in Canada.
The enhanced program includes:
• Up to $5,000 for a funeral.
• Up to $1,500 for additional expenses.
• $1.25 per kilometre beyond eight kilometres for transportation costs.
• Accommodation for oversized caskets and transportation by air for repatriation or for transporting to and from remote coastal communities, as well as other exceptional circumstances that may arise.
The rate increases and other enhancements stem from discussions with funeral home operators and an ongoing review of the Income Support Program. Engagement will continue with funeral home operators as the Provincial Government looks to explore opportunities to make the application process easier for families and loved ones, as well as other changes to help funeral homes.
Over the last two years, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has paid for the funerals of close to 700 people at a cost of $2.2 million.
To learn more about the Funeral Assistance Benefit, visit www.gov.nl.ca/....
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“Our goal through this benefit is to ensure both the funeral home and the individual seeking assistance are fully benefitting from this program. Funeral home operators provide essential services to our community in emotional and stressful times. We look forward to continued engagement with funeral home operators to ensure a simplified process for grieving families.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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