WHAT IS A BURIAL FUND?A burial fund is money set aside to pay for burial expenses. For example, this money can be in a bank account, other financial instrument, or a prepaid burial arrangement. Some states allow an individual to pre–pay their burial by contracting with a funeral home and paying in advance for their funeral. You should discuss this with your local Social Security office. |
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DOES A BURIAL FUND COUNT AS A RESOURCE FOR SSI?Generally, you and your spouse can set aside up to $1,500 each to pay for burial expenses. In most cases, this money will not count as a resource for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you (and your spouse) own life insurance polices or have other burial arrangements in addition to your $1,500 burial funds, some of the money in the burial fund may count toward the resource limit of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. |
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DOES INTEREST EARNED ON YOUR (AND YOUR SPOUSE'S) BURIAL FUND COUNT AS A RESOURCE OR INCOME FOR SSI?No. Interest earned on your (or your spouse's) burial fund that you leave in the fund does not count as a resource or income for SSI and does not affect your SSI benefit. |
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HOW CAN YOU SET UP A BURIAL FUND?Any account you set up must clearly show that the money is set aside to pay burial expenses. You can do this either by:
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SPEND MONEY FROM A BURIAL FUND?If you spend any money from a burial fund on items unrelated to burial expenses, there may be a penalty. |
THIS INFORMATION IS GENERAL.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1–800–772–1213 (TTY 1–800–325–0778),
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
(www.socialsecurity.gov) ON THE INTERNET,
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE.