Government Funeral Benefits Now Among Best in Canada

The Provincial Government 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.

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.