Burial Assistance

Eligibility

County of Middlesex residents receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program benefits may be eligible for this financial assistance.

Low-income, non-social assistance recipients may be eligible for services.

A full eligibility review of the deceased person’s estate must be completed by the County of Middlesex before completing funeral arrangements. If the deceased is a minor (17 years of age or younger), the application for funeral assistance will be based on the parent or legal guardian’s eligibility.

Criteria

Individuals are eligible for assistance with the cost of funeral, burial and cremation services if they meet the following criteria:

The deceased is a resident of the County of Middlesex.

The deceased has no valid life insurance policy or prepaid funeral services.

Funds in the deceased’s estate (bank accounts, RRSPs, CPP Death Benefit, or other available asset) are less than the maximum assets allowable for Discretionary Benefits financial assistance.

There are no other funding sources available to cover the cost of funeral, burial and cremation services. Alternate funding may exist for:

• Deaths related to a Motor Vehicle accident
• The last Post Fund for ex-service members
• Victims of Crime
• Work related deaths

Application Process

The Next of Kin, designate or executor/executrix responsible for making the funeral arrangements may apply for assistance with funeral, burial and cremation services.

The Next of Kin, designate or executor/executrix must contact Discretionary Benefits at 519-434-7321 or @email to complete the application process (applications from funeral homes or third parties are not accepted).

All calls are returned within one business day.

Applications for assistance must be approved by the County of Middlesex before funeral arrangements may be completed.

You may contact the funeral home of your choice; however, before making the funeral arrangements you must advise the Funeral Director that you will be seeking assistance for payment from the County of Middlesex, Discretionary Benefits.

Important:  Social Services must authorize services before a contract is signed with a funeral home or cemetery. We are unable to reimburse the cost of a funeral, cremation, and/or burial after a contract is signed, as we are not in a position to interfere with a legally binding contract.

The following documents may be needed to complete the application for funeral, burial and cremation services:

• Identification for the deceased:
  • Valid government issued photo ID
  • Social Insurance card
  • Health Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Immigration documents.
• Valid government issued photo ID for the applicant/Next of Kin
• Verification of a Middlesex County address:
  • Lease or Mortgage agreement
  • Utility bill
  • Piece of government mail
• Income Verification:
  • 60 days of banking on all bank accounts
  • Most recent Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada for the deceased (and spouse)
  • 2 most recent pay stubs
• Verification documents for any and all assets owned by the deceased as requested by Discretionary Benefits
  • 60 days of banking on all bank accounts
  • Vehicle ownership
  • Life insurance
  • Pre-paid funeral
  • Any items within the estate with a monetary value i.e. mortgage of any properties owned
• Copy of a Will

Note: Please continue with the application even if you do not have access to all of the above information.

Important:  Social Services must authorize services before a contract is signed with a funeral home or cemetery. We are unable to reimburse the cost of a funeral, cremation, and/or burial after a contract is signed, as we are not in a position to interfere with a legally binding contract.

Funeral Services

The County of Middlesex provides a basic, respectful service according to the County of Middlesex’s Fee Schedule. Only items and services provided for in the Fee Schedule will be approved. Additional items can be purchased by the Next of Kin.

Recovery of Funeral, Burial and Cremation Costs

The County of Middlesex will complete recoveries for the cost of funeral, burial and cremation services from the estate of the deceased, including any income or assets eligible for recovery, such as cash in bank accounts and CPP Death Benefits.

Death Certificates

Original Death Certificates are held by the County of Middlesex while recoveries are pursued. Discretionary Benefits can provide certified copies of the Death Certificate for approved purposes such as: closing a utility account (Bell, Rogers, Hydro), Service Ontario, Service Canada, debtors (Visa, OSAP), OHIP etc. at the request of the Next of Kin. Original Death Certificates are returned to the Next of Kin when the funeral file is closed.