State Emergency Relief Burial
The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) State Emergency Relief (SER) program provides financial assistance to qualifying low-income individuals and families for burial, cremation or the costs associated with body donation to a medical school.
Only a DHS specialist can determine eligibility for “SER burial,” as the program is called. The amount for which you may be eligible depends on a variety of factors, including the number of people in your household, income and assets.
If you believe you may qualify for assistance, complete the required DHS applications and select a funeral home that works with SER burial program clients. The funeral director will provide a contract (showing the total cost of the funeral service) and a DHS-required price quote, the sum of which cannot exceed a predetermined amount.
Application must be made after a death occurs but no later than 10 calendar days after the burial, cremation or donation takes place.
For detailed information, click to the Department of Human Services Burial Services page.
| Service | Payment to Funeral Director | Cemetery or Crematory | Vault |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetus or infant under age 1 month | $100 | $45 | $0 |
| Burial with memorial service | $455 | $145 | $100 |
| Burial without memorial service | $220 | $145 | $100 |
| Cremation with memorial service | $455 | $145 | $0 |
| Cremation without memorial service | $220 | $145 | $0 |
| Transportation of donated body | $0.32 per mile up to $176 | $0 | $0 |
| Maximum payment where irrevocable funeral agreement (8A) exists | $0 | $145 | $100 |
