Niagara Region provides financial assistance for costs related to a funeral and cremation or burial.
An application to determine eligibility must be processed by Niagara Region before funeral arrangements are finalized.
A basic funeral includes:
Cremation or burial, including plot, and interment are subsidized separately and provided by local cemeteries under this program.
Niagara Region, Niagara Funeral Homes and Niagara Cemeteries maintain a rate schedule that supports a basic yet professional and dignified service:
| Services | Maximum amount of assistance |
|---|---|
| Basic funeral, including hearse, casket and two-hour visitation | $3,447.63 |
| Interment or cremation | $1,352.24 |
| Special services for death of newborn or stillborn | $274.53 |
Any additional services and supplies must be purchased directly from the funeral provider and are done so outside of the agreement with Niagara Region Community Services.
Contact Niagara Region Community Services, Discretionary Benefits Program at 905-641-9960 for more information on eligibility and services. Applications for financial assistance for a funeral and burial must be completed after the death, but prior to the finalization of funeral arrangements.
You will need to provide information and documentation related to available income or assets. Information may also be required to recover funds from any other governmental source, pensions or assets. An appointment will be booked within one business day of contact.
The following documents of the deceased person are required to complete the request for subsidized funeral and burial services:
Verification of income from any source. Types of income would include:
Verification of assets. Types of assets would include, but are not limited to:
Verification of any money expected in the future. Items would include, but not be limited to, pending lawsuits, settlement from an unadjusted insurance claim or any other future entitlement.
For more information, contact 905-641-9960.