On July 1, 2018, The WV DHHR Indigent Burial Fund dramatically changed its structure for allowable services and assistance grants.
While Smith Funeral & Cremation Care has always gladly assisted families who need assistance from DHHR, you must know that there are strict guidelines to follow, so that we can properly service your family, and stay within the allowable parameters of the program.
Clients families must first come to the funeral home to complete the applications for benefits. Before any arrangements are finalized, you must take the application our local office located on High St. in Morgantown and meet with a counselor to determine your eligibility. While in the office, and if you are approved, you must call the funeral home with your counselor present to verify your acceptance.
Clients should be aware that your own personal financial records, bank statements and employment verification will be considered by WVDHHR. If the agency finds that there are sufficient means to pay the portion of the bill normally covered by the state, your application will be rejected and full prices for our services including sales tax will be charged.
West Virginia’s DHHR states that DIRECT CREMATION is the recommended method of final disposition unless certain religious practices prohibit the practice. Direct cremation is defined as removal from the place of death (local), basic services of the funeral director and staff, alternative container to encase the body throughout the cremation process, the actual cremation process and return of cremated remains in a temporary container. No other services or merchandise items are required to be provided to the family by our funeral home. Should religious practices prohibit the body from being cremated, the state will then allow for DIRECT / IMMEDIATE BURIAL. Direct / Immediate Burial is defined as removal of the deceased from the place of death (local), basic services of the funeral director and staff, placement of the deceased in a minimum cloth covered casket, and transportation of the casketed remains to a West Virginia cemetery. The funeral home is also no longer required to provide an outer burial container or clothing for the deceased. If you choose a cemetery for burial that requires an outer burial container, one may be purchased from our funeral home. It will also be the responsibility of the family to provide clothing for the deceased.
The total for the services of the funeral home for either simple cremation or direct burial will be $2,200.00, of which the state of WV will pay $1,000.00 upon approval. The client’s balance will be $1,200.00 plus any third party, or cash advance items. The balance is due in full at the time of the funeral arrangements conference.
All other cash advance items such as certified death certificates, necessary permit fees, newspaper notices, cemetery fees, cemetery equipment rental fees, etc. are the sole responsibility of the family and must be paid for at the time of the arrangements conference.
There can be no deviations away from either the choice of direct cremation or direct burial. If your family opts to select services that are not a part of either of the choices outlined above, any offer of assistance from the state will be eliminated. You will be charged our normal fees for services and merchandise and payment in-full will be expected before any services are scheduled.
