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representative to limit the services to meet the guidelines of this policy. Arrangements for cremation will be made by funeral directors, who will obtain authorization for cremation from the General Assistance staff prior to proceeding with the cremation. A religious service is permitted at no cost to Dubuque County if the funeral home and church agree to provide at no cost.

1. Resources

All available resources are to be taken into consideration and may be deducted from the burial allowance, including but not limited to:

• a.Insurance payments
• b.Social Security Burial benefit paid to the surviving spouse
• c.Deceased person's cash savings, checking, bonds, etc.
• d.Any assets belonging to the deceased that could be sold
• e.Contributions from the family
• f.Any VA allowances
• g.Death benefits may be available from employment, railroad retirement, pension plans, VA benefits, life insurance policies, prepaid burial agreements, or social security. The family of the deceased must apply for these benefits and apply them to the cost of the cremation.
• h.All funds generated from memorials must be given to funeral home to be repaid to Dubuque County General Assistance.

If the family of the deceased discovers a death benefit, savings account, or other resources after the funeral, they are expected to notify the county and the funeral home. If the county deems the family of the deceased ineligible because of the resources, the family will be held responsible to reimburse actual costs of the burial services disbursed by the county on behalf of the deceased.

2. Covered Services

Direct Cremation Services not to exceed $1,700

• a.Transfer of deceased to funeral home within 25 miles
• b.Preparation service fees
• c.Medical examiners cremation permit fee
• d.Cremation fees

Dubuque County Courthouse · 720 Central Avenue · PO Box 5001 · Dubuque IA 52004-5001