Osage Nation Increases Burial Assistance from $5,000 to $8,000 for Constituents

OSAGE RESERVATION, OKLA. (June 10, 2022) – The Osage Nation Burial Assistance Program has increased burial assistance from $5,000 to $8,000 effective June 9, 2022. The Burial Assistance Program provides financial assistance upon the death of a member of the Osage Nation, regardless of residence. 

“As our people continue to experience the negative effects of the public health emergency, we are thankful to increase the financial assistance for burial expenses,” said Director of Financial Assistance Andrea Kemble. “The increase comes as a relief to our people in their most difficult time.” 

Eligible Criteria

Eligibility includes a completed application and membership with the Osage Nation during the time of death. Membership must be verified through the Osage Nation Membership/CDIB office prior to approval for assistance. 

Allowable Expenses

• Payment for the actual cost of the burial or cremation;
• Payment of, or reimbursement for advance payment, costs for burial or cremation services;
• Payment of, or reimbursement for, headstones, cemetery monuments or markers, or cremation urns;
• Payment of, or reimbursement for, verified costs incurred for last rites, flowers, receptions, meals, and/or blankets not to exceed the amount remaining after payment of other items in this section have been paid for.
• Itemized receipts for advance payment of any of the following; Last rites, Flowers, Receptions, Funeral feast, Blankets

This supplemental funding is being used pursuant to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Final Rule, which allows for emergency burial assistance for households and populations facing negative economic impacts due to COVID-19.  This temporary funding will be used until depleted or to the expiration of the ARPA program period.

For more information about the burial assistance visit https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/constituent-services/burial-assistance 

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