753-2          BURIAL PLOTS AND FUNERAL AGREEMENTS

753-2 A.     BURIAL PLOTS

One burial plot for each assistance unit member is an exempt resource, regardless of location, salability, or equity value.  A Burial plot includes a parcel of ground located in a private or public cemetery suitable for the burial of one person, a vault in a mausoleum, a one-person mausoleum or crypt, a niche in a columbarium or cinerarium, and any markers and maintenance which are conveyed as a natural benefit of ownership.

753-2 B.     FUNERAL AGREEMENTS

In addition, the equity value of funeral agreements is excluded up to $1500 per assistance unit member.  Equity value in excess of $1500 per member counts against the resource limit.  The term funeral agreement means a legally binding written agreement between the client and a provider of funeral and/or burial or cremation services and goods which provides for prepayment of services to be provided upon death, and includes agreements called burial contracts or burial or funeral trusts.

This $1500 exclusion is given regardless of whether the equity value of the agreement is salable or transferrable, regardless of what services or goods are included in or excluded from the agreement, and regardless of the terms of prepayment.

753-2 C.     VERIFICATION

Burial plots and funeral agreements are rarely encountered in TATemporary Assistance units.  The caseworker does not need to make any special effort to discover if they exist.  If the client volunteers their existence, do not request verification unless there is reason to doubt the client's explanation of details.