The Indigent Burial and Cremation Support Program is a four-step process:

1. The local government entity must be a Registered Supplier with the State of Ohio. To confirm supplier registration or to sign up, please click here . A local government entity that is not a Registered Supplier cannot be reimbursed.
2. The local government entity is required to determine whether the deceased is indigent.
3. If the deceased is determined to be indigent, the local government entity must work with a Licensed Funeral Director to provide final disposition (burial or cremation) at its expense.
4. The local government entity must apply for reimbursement and include the required documents no later than sixty days after the burial transit permit or disposition permit is issued. 

Reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds and will be awarded to complete applications on a first come, first served priority basis. 

The Board will begin accepting Reimbursement Applications on December 2, 2019. The application can be found on the Board's website. 

The Board will only accept Reimbursement Applications for indigent persons with a date of death on or after July 1, 2019.

An authorized representative or designee from the local government entity can submit an Application for Reimbursement. 

No. Only local government entities are eligible to apply for and receive reimbursement.

An original or legible copy of the following documents, if applicable, shall be attached and submitted with the Reimbursement Application form: 

1. An affidavit or statement of indigency status determined by the local government entity.
2. A statement of goods and services from the Licensed Funeral Director.
3. Receipts of charges and payments for goods and services.
4. The Cremation Authorization form.
5. The Burial Transit or Disposition Permit.
6. If applicable, the contract or formal agreement between the local government entity and the funeral home to perform the final disposition of indigent persons for the local government entity. 

$1 million for each fiscal year, totaling $2 million for the biennium.

Reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds. 

The Indigent Burial and Cremation Support Program does not eliminate the duty under section 9.15 of the Revised Code that requires local government entities to provide final disposition for its indigent residents. A local government entity must carry out this duty even if funds are no longer available through the program. 

Email is the preferred method of communication.

You can reach the Board at indigentsupport@funeral.ohio.gov. 

To access the Reimbursement Application Form please click HERE