LANSING – Unlike other states, Michigan has not increased the financial assistance given to low-income residents for funerals and burials since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $600 cap offered by Michigan is more than any of the 20 states that offer such assistance.
“For us, it’s good if the families have less money,” said Alec Gary, director of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin, Michigan. “I come from a very low income area and I can help the families I work with and cut some of the funeral expenses.”
Across the United States, friends and families of those who died of COVID received up to $9,000 in funeral assistance through FEMA. The program distributed nearly $3 billion to people across the country, of which just under $100 million went to 16,000 Michiganders, according to FEMA.
“Compared to FEMA COVID assistance, Michigan’s assistance is minimal,” Gary said.
Government support is still available for COVID-19 patients. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are among the states that have increased support for funeral expenses for non-COVID deaths, according to Stateline, a daily publication reporting trends as part of Pew Research. Center.
The $600 increase Michigan offered surprised some people who expected more help with burials, said Lindsey Rogers, owner of Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
“From the funeral home side it’s very stressful,” Rogers said. “We’re just trying to help the family and the government is doing so much that the family is saying ‘Oh, the government is going to pay for it.’ But the government doesn’t pay for everything.
About 20 states offer funeral assistance. Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia and Delaware offer up to $1,000. Alaska offers up to $2,500, the most of any state. Michigan has more than one offer — Wyoming, which costs up to $500.
The state Department of Health and Human Services offers assistance with burial, cremation and funeral expenses for those who cannot afford it, said Bob Wheaton, public information officer for the department. The agency also helps with burial expenses for Michigan residents whose remains have not been claimed.
“Families don’t have to worry about the cost of burying their loved ones when they’re dealing with their illness,” he said.
Applicants for financial assistance must apply within 10 working days of the illness. The rest must be in Michigan.
Applicants are immediate relatives, persons named in the will to arrange for burial, special executors or legal guardians appointed by the probate court, or persons with long-standing powers at the time of death, who according to Wheaton.
“We want to help all families and show them all the options,” Rogers said. “The application process itself is not difficult. We have been to the Department of Health and some families to show them where.”
