Funeral Burial and Cremations Policy Manual - Region of Peel

Ontario Works in PeelFunerals, Burials and CremationsPolicy2010

Table of ContentsOntario Works in Peel.........................................................................................................1Funerals, Burials and Cremations Policy ............................................................................1Table of Contents ................................................................................................................2Legislation and Policy.........................................................................................................3Overview .............................................................................................................................4Applications and Eligibility ................................................................................................5Required Documents for Funeral Applications...................................................................6Determining Eligibility for Funeral Assistance ..................................................................8Scenarios to Determine Eligibility for Funeral Services.....................................................9Non Social Assistance Recipients (Non-SARs)................................................................11Indigent Persons ................................................................................................................13First Nations ......................................................................................................................17Inmates of a Federal Penitentiary/Federal Halfway House...............................................17Coroner’s Warrant.............................................................................................................18Services Provided..............................................................................................................19Type A Funeral and Burial................................................................................................20Type A Funeral and Cremation.........................................................................................21Type B Funeral and Burial................................................................................................23Type B Funeral and Cremation .........................................................................................25Type B Funeral and Burial for Dependant Adult/Child....................................................27Type B Funeral and Cremation for Dependant Adult/Child.............................................29Direct Disposition (Alternative funeral services)..............................................................31Direct Disposition - Burial ................................................................................................32Direct Disposition - Cremation .........................................................................................33Additional Costs................................................................................................................34Mosques and other Religious group or organizations.......................................................36Funeral Rites/Rituals.........................................................................................................36Grave Markers and Interment Rights ................................................................................39Approved Maximum Rates – Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services............................41Recoveries/Reimbursements .............................................................................................432

Legislation and PolicyIntroductionOntario Works (OW) in Peel may assist clients in receipt of OntarioWorks (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), transientpersons, unclaimed bodies and wherever possible Non SocialAssistance Recipients (Non SARS).Our Non SARS/ lower income residents in our community may requireour assistance in their time of need. For some families or individualshaving to pay market value for a funeral would cause the family orindividual undue financial hardship. OW may assist these familieswhen certain criteria are met.This manual has been created to provide a detailed description of theLegislative policies, Peel policies and procedures needed to be takeninto consideration when completing a funeral application for an OWclient; a recipient of ODSP; or lower income persons/Non SARs) fromthe community.LegislativeAuthorityFunerals, burials and/or cremations are governed by the following Actsand Regulations:• Ontario Works Act and Ontario Works Regulation 134/98,• Directive 7.1 Health Benefits• Public Hospitals Act,• Anatomy Act,• Cemeteries Act, and• The Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act (pending).The provisions for funeral services are considered a Discretionarybenefit under the Ontario Works Act.Continued on next page3

OverviewPeel’s PolicySince the provisions for funeral services are a Discretionary benefit,the Act allows the Administrator to determine the policies andprocedures related to this.OW in Peel recognizes the diversity and dignity of all service recipientsand service providers within the Region of Peel. OW in Peel iscommitted to providing support and assistance in a sensitive andprofessional manner understanding that the residents of Peelrepresent a wide and diverse multi-cultural population.Funeral rites vary according to customs and culture. These rites arerespected and therefore, requests for variations or alternative funeralarrangements are assessed on a case by case basis.The following describes in detail the guidelines the CommunityPrograms Unit Caseworkers (CPU CW) follow when assistance withthe costs and/or arrangements of a funeral, burial or cremation hasbeen requested.TerminologyFor the purpose of this manual the term “funeral services” will mean toinclude either:• Funeral services and a burial, or• Funeral services and a cremation, or• A burial or cremation.DelegationCPU CW’s assess all requests for assistance with funeral services forOW clients, ODSP recipients as well as Non-SARs.Any funeral services’ exceeding the maximum of $5000 requiresSupervisor approval.Costs for funeral services are as follows:• For a Type A funeral $1250 + HST• For a Type B funeral $2500 + HST• Burials $1000 + $50 HST, or• Cremation $390.60 plus cost for burial of cremated remains4

Applications and EligibilityIntroductionAll funeral applications are considered and eligibility to assist withfuneral services is based on whether the deceased person was eligibleto receive OW on the date of their passing. If the deceased was inreceipt of OW or ODSP then eligibility for assistance has beenestablished and OW will assist with the funeral services.Whocompletes aFuneralApplicationClient Service Representatives (CSRs) complete the initial applicationfor ODSP and Non SARS.CPU CW’s review:• funeral appointments daily• contact the individual who is requesting the funeral• complete the remainder of the application and determineeligibility for assistance with the funeral.5

Required Documents for Funeral ApplicationsIntroductionEligibility for OW and ODSP has already been established for ongoingclients at the time of their death. Some additional verification ofdocuments may be required. The CPU CW will determine what isnecessary in order to make a decision.For Non SARs, the CPU CW is required to determine if the deceasedwould have been eligible to receive OW assistance at the time of theirdeath.PolicyThe following documents are required (if not already in the possessionof OW) on behalf of the deceased in order to determine eligibility forfuneral services. Original documents of the deceased are not kept byOW.• Last Will• Birth Certificate, or• Immigration Documents (proof of status in Canada, passport)• Social Insurance Number• Health Card• Verification of Current Bank Account(s)• Earnings/Income Verification• Assets such as RRSPs, Bonds, Investments• Life insurance policies• Prepaid funeral policy• Verification of shelter expenses – Non SARS only• Name of Funeral Home and Cemetery• Important: CPU CW’s must inquire if there is a last Will for thedeceased. The last Will indicates whom the deceased has named asExecutor estate.In all cases where an Executor has been named, only the Executorcan make decisions for the funeral arrangements. CPU CW’s shallonly deal with the Executor in these circumstances.FileStandardsOriginal copies are not retained and/or kept in the master file.All original identification must be returned to the next of kin.All photocopies must be stamped “Certified True Copy”.Continued on next page6

Applications and Eligibility, ContinuedDeathCertificate –Certified TrueCopyThe Funeral Director will submit Proof of Death Certificate(s) to theCPU CW when it has been established that OW will be covering thecosts associated with the funeral on behalf of the family. Proof ofDeath Certificate is required for recovering money from potentialsources.Funeral Directors have been asked not to release a certificate to thefamily without written or verbal consent from OW.Once all monies have been recovered by OW for the funeralexpenses, the Death Certificate should be provided to the next of kin.In cases where the spouse needs to apply for CPP Survivor’s Benefitthe CPU CW could request the funeral home to release a Proof ofDeath Certificate to the surviving spouse for the purposes of applyingfor the Survivor’s Benefit only.The CPU CW will request that the Funeral Director insert the words,"Solely for the purposes of applying for CPP Survivor Benefits" onthe Proof of Death.7

Determining Eligibility for Funeral AssistanceIntroductionThere are a number of factors unique to determining eligibility forassistance with funeral, burial or cremation services, these include;• Assets,• Income,• Residency and• Meeting the conditions for the provision of an OWIP funeralservice as per the policies and procedures outlined below.The CPU CW will review all the circumstances of the case todetermine eligibility and next steps.ServicesAlreadyRenderedRequests for assistance with the cost for funeral services that havealready been rendered are not considered by OW.However, assistance may be considered on a case by case basis inexceptional circumstances.Examples of exceptional circumstances include, but are not limited to:• An administrative error in the processing of the application;• Compassionate groundsThe eligibility criteria and maximum asset levels of assistance for eachtype of funeral service apply whether the request was initiated prior toor after the funeral service is completed.If an exceptional circumstance has been approved we will only pay upto our approved maximum rates.• Peel will not accept responsibility for funeral service costswhere financial arrangements for an enhanced funeral weremade prior to requesting assistance.• Duplication of funeral services, i.e. having both acrematorium and a funeral home service, will not beapproved• Peel will not cover additional costs such as flowers, obituarynotices, cards or receptions,8

Scenarios to Determine Eligibility for Funeral ServicesOW/ODSP RecipientsIf the deceased is a...resident of Peel and dies inPeelresident of Peel and dies inanother municipality, and thefuneral/burial is to occur inPeelresident in anothermunicipality, but dies inPeelresident of Peel and diesoutside of Peel (but withinOntario) and the funeralservices are to occur outsidePeel (e.g. in the deceased’shometown (in Ontario)Then the Region of Peel is responsible for...all funeral, burial/cremation and transportationcosts when eligibility has been met.all funeral, burial/cremation costs, includingpreparation and transportation costs.contacting the municipality where the deceasedresided to confirm the municipality will cover thecosts of:• The preparation and transportation costs,and• The funeral/burial or cremation costscontacting the receiving funeral home’s FuneralDirector to discuss Peel’s rates.If the receiving Funeral Home does not acceptthe rates:• the family must assume the total cost of thefuneral services or,• the family may be given the option to havethe funeral services in PeelIf the family agrees to have the funeral servicein Peel, the Region of Peel is responsible for:resident of Peel and diesoutside of Ontario• Preparation and transportation costs of thedeceased to Peel, and• Funeral/burial/cremation costsinforming the family that they must pay for:• the total cost of the funeral/burial/cremation• transportation costs of deceased into Peelorthe family can apply for funeral assistance with theSocial Services offices in the city/province whichthe deceased passed away.Continued on next page9

NON SARS (Social Assistance Recipients)If a resident of Peel...dies in Peel, but the familyrequests funeral services beheld in another municipalitywithin Ontario (e.g.funeral/burial to be held in thedeceased hometown)Then the Region of Peel is responsible for...contacting the receiving funeral home’s FuneralDirector to discuss Peel’s rates.If Peel’s funeral and burial rates are acceptedby the receiving funeral home then Peel will payfor:• Preparation and transportation costs of thedeceased, and• Funeral/burial/cremation costs.If the receiving Funeral Home does not acceptthe rates:• the family must assume the total cost of thefuneral services and transportation costs or,• the family may be given the option to havethe funeral services in Peeldies in Peel and the familywants the funeral service inPeel and wants the deceasedshipped to anotherProvince/Country for burialdies in Peel and the familywants the funeral and burialservices outside of theProvince/Countrydies in a hospital in Peel andthe deceased has beenclaimed by a relative, or byany other person who doesnot live in Peel. Themunicipality where thedeceased resided prior totheir entry into hospitalshould pay for the funeralservices.If the family agrees to have the funeral servicesin Peel, the Region of Peel is responsible for:• Funeral/burial/cremation costsadvising the family that they must pay the total costof the funeral, burial and transportation costs.advising the family that they must pay the total costof the funeral, burial and transportation costs.contacting the municipality where the deceasedresided and arrange with the municipality to coverthe costs of:• The preparation and transportation costs• The funeral/burial or cremation costs.If the deceased was a resident in Peel:• Funeral/burial or cremation costs.10

Non Social Assistance Recipients (Non-SARs)IntroductionIt is the philosophy of OW in Peel to assist, wherever possible theresidents of our community.PolicyApplications where the deceased was not in receipt of socialassistance are assessed on a case by case basis. The following isconsidered when determining eligibility:• If the deceased person would have been eligible for assistance atthe date of death had an application been made, assistance forfuneral services may be provided. OW may assist wherefamilies/individuals have no other financial resources to payhigher funeral costs.• There may be a breakdown in communication where one familymember has already made funeral arrangements while anotherfamily member is applying for OW funeral assistance. Once a familymember has already taken responsibility for the funeral costs, thiswill take precedence and the OW application may be rendered nulland void.Continued on next page11

Non Social Assistance Recipients, ContinuedEligibilityCriteriaTo determine eligibility for Non-SARS the following criteria will apply,but is not limited to:• the financial circumstances of the deceased,• surviving members of the deceased's ability to pay;• wishes of surviving relations;• other financial resources available;• unclaimed body;• geographic location where the deceased normally resides.Asset LevelsIn some cases the deceased’s assets/income are over the allowableasset/income level, however the cost for OW to provide funeralservices is less and would not cause the family undue hardship as itwould if they had to pay the “market value rate” for funeral services.Effective January 1, 2008 the asset levels for Non-SARs will beconsidered up to the following maximums:When the funeral Then the maximum asset level is...service is a...Type A $1250Type B $2500Choice ofProviderThe family of the deceased has the right to select which funeral home;burial site or crematorium the deceased should be placed.Visitor fromanotherProvince orCountryThe Region of Peel is not responsible for any costs associated forfuneral services for persons that reside in another province or country,unless a Coroner’s Warrant has been issued.The visitor may have travel insurance to cover funeral and burial costs.If not, the family/friend applying on behalf of the deceased would beresponsible to cover the costs.12

Indigent PersonsIntroductionIndigent is a broadly used term to describe individuals who are in needand are transient, homeless, unclaimed or unidentified at the time oftheir death.In some cases there may be a family member or friend who will makearrangements for the deceased’s funeral while in other cases theremay be no one. The type of funeral provided will vary depending onthe circumstances of each case.Deceased was a Transient/Homeless PersonPolicyIndigent persons may be eligible for funeral services from OW if the:• Individual was a transient or homeless person at the time oftheir death• Transient or homeless person is deemed to reside in thegeographic area in which they were receiving assistance• Person was determined to be an unclaimed body• Deceased was considered an unidentified personThe Region of Peel, as a Municipality, is required by the Anatomy Actand/or Public Hospitals Act to provide assistance for funeral/burialcosts for an unclaimed body.OW may recover the expenses from any recoverable assets, incomeor death benefit of the deceased under the following circumstances:• there is sufficient information to determine that the individualwould have been eligible for OW,• they were in receipt of OW or ODSPOW may cover the costs for a funeral/burial for anyone who isdeceased and the person is “unidentified” or the person’s family (underextenuating circumstances) will not take responsibility for thedeceased.In most cases where an unclaimed body is eligible for funeral andburial costs a Type A funeral or direct disposition will be authorized.Continued on next page13

Indigent Persons, ContinuedDefinitionsTransient or HomelessA transient person may be someone who temporarily resides in themunicipality and has temporary accommodations. This person may bereceiving assistance from another municipality or may have made anapplication for assistance or, is in receipt of assistance from Peel.A homeless person may be someone who is in Peel, but who does nothave any accommodations. This person may be receiving assistancefrom another municipality or may have made an application or is inreceipt of assistance from Peel.Deceased is an unclaimed bodyAn unclaimed body is a person who's identity is known (e.g. they werea patient in a hospital), but there may be no next of kin, friend orindividual to make funeral arrangements on behalf of the deceased.Deceased is an unidentified person (Jane or John Doe)An unidentified person may be a person with no known name e.g. astillborn child and there is no next of kin or friend willing to takeresponsibility of the funeral arrangements for the deceased.Consent toCremateCremations for a transient, homeless, unclaimed or unidentifiedperson is not allowed by law if there is no executor or immediatefamily member to give consent. It is the Funeral Director’sresponsibility to investigate and enforce these regulations.14

Indigent Persons, ContinuedScenarios to Determine Eligibility for Funeral ServicesTransient or Homeless PersonsIf a transient or homelessperson received assistance…in Peel dies in Peel and there isno familyfrom another municipality, butdies in Peel and there is nofamilyin Peel and dies in Peel and thefamily wants the deceasedreturned for burial in anothermunicipality e.g. the deceased’shometown (in Ontario)Then the Region of Peel is responsible for...assisting with a Type A funeral or directdisposition costs including costs for burial in Peel.Contacting the municipality where the personreceived assistance and making arrangements toreturn the deceased.Peel is responsible for preparation andtransportation costs of the deceased.The municipality where the person normallyresided and received assistance from isresponsible for funeral/burial/cremation or directdisposition costs.contacting and discussing Peel’s rates with thereceiving funeral home Funeral Director.If Peel’s funeral service rates are accepted bythe receiving funeral home then Peel will payfor:• Preparation and transportation costs of thedeceased, and• Funeral/burial/cremation costs.If the receiving Funeral Home does not acceptthe rates:• the family must assume the total cost of thefuneral services and transportation costs or,• the family may be given the option to have thefuneral services in PeelIf the family agrees to have the funeral servicein Peel, the Region of Peel is responsible for:• Funeral/burial/cremation costs.in another municipality but diesin Peel and the family does notwant the deceased returned tothe original place of residencein another municipality but diesa Type A funeral service costs (if the family did notwant to attend the funeral/burial) or,a Type B funeral service costs (if the family inattendance for the funeral/burial/cremation).contacting the municipality to where the body is15

in Peel and the family want thedeceased returned to the originalplace of residencebeing sent and confirming that the costs of thefuneral/burial/cemetery will be paid by thatmunicipality, including preparation andtransportation costs.The municipality where the person normallyresides is responsible for funeral/burial/cremationcosts.16

First NationsPolicyFor a deceased native off-reserve who was a member of an Indianband and was a resident on an Indian Reserve within the last 12months funeral expenses would be an eligible cost under IWS (IndianWelfare Services). An application should be completed.Municipalities receive 100% provincial funding for providing funeralservices.Inmates of a Federal Penitentiary/Federal Halfway HousePolicyIf the deceased was an inmate of a Federal Penitentiary/FederalHalfway House on the date of death, the Federal GovernmentCorrectional Services is responsible for the funeral service costs.However, if the deceased was a resident of Peel, prior to theincarceration, and the next of kin, or a person previously designatedby the deceased, claims the remains, an application can be made bythe family to have a funeral/burial held in Peel.If the funeral and burial is to be held in Peel then the cost for thefuneral service and transportation costs to return the body will becovered by OW.17

Coroner’s WarrantPolicyWhen there are extenuating circumstances surrounding the death of aperson, the Vital Statistics Act requires that “In the case of a death ofwhich the Coroner is required to be notified under section 10 of theCoroners Act, the Coroner notified shall, as soon as the cause ofdeath is known, complete and sign a medical certificate of death in theprescribed form, stating the cause of death according to theclassification of diseases adopted by reference in the regulations, andshall deliver the medical certificate to the funeral director or otherperson in charge of the body.”Further the Vital Statistics Act states, “If a person has died under anyof the circumstances mentioned in subsection (5) and the Coronercannot provide the prescribed information related to the cause ofdeath, the Coroner may issue a warrant to bury if he or she hasexamined the body as provided in the Coroners Act and the coronershall subsequently complete and deliver such documentation in themanner, within the time and to the person prescribed by theregulations.”In most cases a Medical certificate of death is issued by a legallyqualified medical practitioner who has been in attendance during thelast illness of a deceased. The Funeral Home prepares the requireddocumentation and submits them to the proper authorities.If the individual died in the hospital or was transported to a hospital,the Coroner may issue the warrant to the hospital giving them theauthority to release the body. The hospital, Coroner’s office or thefuneral home may then call OW for disposition of the body.Coroner’sOfficeResponsibilityWhen the Coroner is involved prior to contacting OW the Coroner will:• Contact the police to locate (wherever possible) the next of kin, and• Consider the deceased is unclaimed if the police are unable tolocate the next of kin,• Consider the deceased is unclaimed if the police are able to locatethe next of kin and they refuse to claim the body and responsibilityfor the bodyThe Coroner will provide as much information on the deceased aspossible on the warrant including, date of birth, SIN #, last knownaddress, bank accounts, and income.18

Services ProvidedIntroductionOWIP provides two types of funeral services for deceased persons:1. Type A Funeral and Burial or Cremation; or2. Type B Funeral and Burial or Cremation.Type “B” Funeral and Burial or Cremation will be used in dependentchild or dependent adult cases up to, but not including, 21 years ofage.OWIP rates are applied to all funeral homes in the Region of Peel andany other funeral home in Ontario where there has been a specialrequest to have funeral services in another municipality.WeekendServicesIn some cases a funeral must be held on the weekend to allow for nextof kin to arrive from out of town or some cultures must have the funeralservices within 24 hours of the person’s death. In these casesweekend services are to be authorized (by supervisor on duty) if thedeceased were to be determined eligible for assistance at the time ofdeath.Funeral services that must be held on a weekend will not beconsidered an upgrade.19

Type A Funeral and BurialIntroductionA Type A funeral and burial is provided when:• the deceased is buried shortly after death• no viewing or visitation is involved at the funeral home• a memorial service may be held at the gravesideFuneralServicesProvidedServices provided by the funeral home are as follows:• Professional Services - Funeral Director’s/Home services and fees• Care of deceased• Embalming (minimal chemical treatment)• Casketing the deceased, and• Municipal Registration FeeTransportation The funeral home will provide the following:• Transfer of remains to funeral home, and• Transfer of remains to the cemeteryType ofCasketThe following casket will be provided:• Lift plate, flat top, square end, half inch plate wood construction,covering of grey vicuna cloth, interior bedding and four handles.BurialWhen the deceased is to be interred the following will be included inthe costs for a burial:• Opening and closing of cemetery plot• Grave marker, and• Provincial Licensing Fee.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease, or where the by-law requires thecasket/cremated remains must be placed in a vault or crypt.Note: A vault or crypt would be an additional charge.20

Type A Funeral and CremationIntroductionA Type A funeral and cremation is provided when:• The deceased is cremated and the remains may be buried,scattered or given to the next of kin shortly after death.• No viewing or visitation is involved at the funeral home.• A memorial service may be held at the cemetery or crematorium.FuneralServicesProvidedServices provided by the funeral home are as follows:• Professional Services - Funeral Director’s/Home services and fees• Care of deceased• Embalming (minimal chemical treatment)• Casketing the deceased, and• Municipal Registration FeeTransportation The funeral home will provide the following:• Transfer of remains to funeral home, and• Transfer remains to cemetery or crematoriumType ofCasketThough a casket may not be required for cremation, the crematoriumrequires that the deceased be enclosed in some kind of rigid containerof combustible material.The following casket will be provided:• A casket used for the purpose of cremation where there is noviewing at the funeral home.Consent toCremateBy law only family members or executors may request cremation. Inaddition, all family members involved must agree to the cremation ofthe remains.It is the Funeral Director’s responsibility to investigate andenforce these regulations.Continued on next page21

Type A Funeral and Cremation, ContinuedCremationCostsIncluded• The Coroner’s fee• Transportation of the deceased, and• Care of the deceased i.e. preparation requirements for cremationCrematedremainsOW will cover the costs for the container if the cremated remains are:• Retained by the family, or• Buried in a cemetery, or• Scattered on common ground, or• Scattered on one’s private property.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease.OW does not cover costs where the family requests the remains beplaced in a mausoleum, columbarium, or urn.22

Type B Funeral and BurialIntroductionA Type B funeral is provided when there is a family member(s) makingarrangements for the funeral service. These arrangements will includea visitation at the funeral home; a service and the burial.FuneralServicesProvidedServices provided by the funeral home are as follows:• Professional Services - Funeral Director’s/Home services and fees• Care of deceased• Embalming• Casketing and dressing of the deceased• Use of facilities for a viewing/wake/visitation for 2 hours (choice ofafternoon or evening)• Funeral or memorial ceremony at the funeral home (use of thechapel or church the same day or the following day for the funeralservice), and• Municipal Registration Fee• Coroner’s FeeTransportation The funeral home will provide the following:• Transfer of remains to funeral home, and• Transfer remains to cemetery or crematorium (using service wagon)In addition, if required the funeral home may provide:• A family vehicle when the family is unable to provide their ownmeans of transportation, and• Flower carCasketWhen there is a viewing, wake and/or visitation at the funeral homethe following type casket will be provided:• Hinge plate style, half inch plate wood construction, covering ofgrey vicuna cloth, white rayon interior pillow, interior bedding andsix handles.Continued on next page23

Type B Funeral and Burial, ContinuedBurialWhen the deceased is to be interred the following will be included inthe costs for a burial:• Opening and closing of cemetery plot• Grave marker, and• Provincial Licensing Fee.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease, or where the by-law requires thecasket/cremated remains must be placed in a vault or crypt.Note: A vault or crypt would be an additional charge.24

Type B Funeral and CremationIntroductionA Type B funeral is provided when there is a family member(s) makingarrangements for the funeral service. These arrangements will includea visitation at the funeral home; a service and the cremation.FuneralServicesProvidedServices provided by the funeral home are as follows:• Professional Services - Funeral Director’s/Home services and fees• Care of deceased• Embalming• Casketing and dressing of the deceased• Use of facilities for a viewing/wake/visitation for 2 hours (choice ofafternoon or evening)• Funeral or memorial ceremony at the funeral home (use of thechapel or church the same day or the following day for the funeralservice), and• Municipal Registration FeeTransportation The funeral home will provide the following:• Transfer of remains to funeral home, and• Transfer remains to cemetery or crematorium (using service wagon)In addition, if required the funeral home may provide:• A family vehicle when the family is unable to provide their ownmeans of transportation, and• Flower carType ofCasketWhen there is a viewing/wake/visitation at the funeral home a thefollowing type casket will be provided:• Hinge plate style, half inch plate wood construction, covering ofgrey vicuna cloth, white rayon interior pillow, interior bedding andsix handles.Continued on next page25

Type B Funeral and Cremation, ContinuedMemorialServiceWhen the deceased is to be cremated and the family wishes to have amemorial service only and no casket present at the funeral home thefollowing casket will be provided:• A casket used for the purpose of cremation.Consent toCremateBy law only family members or executors may request cremation. Inaddition, all family members involved must agree to the cremation ofthe remains.It is the Funeral Director’s responsibility to investigate andenforce these regulations.CremationCosts• The Coroner’s fee• Transportation of the deceased, and• Care of the deceased, i.e. preparation requirements for cremationCrematedRemainsOW will only cover the costs for the container to be:• Retained by the family, or• Buried in a cemetery, or• Scattered on common ground, or• Scattered on one’s private property.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease or where the by-law requires thecremated remains must be placed in a vault or crypt.Note: A vault or crypt would be an additional charge.OW does not cover costs where the family requests the remains beplaced in a mausoleum, columbarium or an urn.26

Type B Funeral and Burial for Dependant Adult/ChildPolicy Any dependent child or dependent adult up to but not including 21years of age will receive the professional services, facilities and casketequivalent to an adult Type B Funeral.In the case of a stillbirth over 500 grams, a funeral may be provided ifrequested by the family.FuneralServicesProvidedServices provided by the funeral home are as follows:• Professional Services - Funeral Director’s/Home services and fees• Care of deceased• Embalming• Casketing and dressing of the deceased• Use of facilities for a viewing/wake/visitation for 2 hours (choice ofafternoon or evening)• Funeral or memorial ceremony at the funeral home (use of thechapel or church the same day or the following day for the funeralservice), and• Municipal Registration FeeTransportation The funeral home will provide the following:• Transfer of remains to funeral home, and• Transfer remains to cemetery or crematorium (using service wagon)In addition, if required the funeral home may provide:• A family vehicle when the family is unable to provide their ownmeans of transportation, and• Flower carContinued on next page27

Type B Type B Funeral and BurialBurial for DependantAdult/Child, ContinuedCasketWhen there is a viewing/wake/visitation at the funeral home thefollowing type casket will be provided:• Hinge plate style, half inch plate wood construction, covering ofgrey vicuna cloth, white rayon interior pillow, interior bedding andsix handles.The casket size will vary according to the size of the child.BurialWhen the deceased is to be interred the following will be included inthe costs for a burial:• Opening and closing of cemetery plot• Grave marker, and• Provincial Licensing Fee.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease, or where the by-law requires thecasket/cremated remains must be placed in a vault or crypt.Note: A vault or crypt would be an additional charge.28

Type B Funeral and Cremation for Dependant Adult/ChildPolicy Any dependent child or dependent adult up to, but not including 21years of age, will receive the professional services, facilities andcasket equivalent to an adult Type B Funeral.In the case of a stillbirth over 500 grams, a funeral may beprovided if requested by the family.FuneralServicesProvidedServices provided by the funeral home are as follows:• Professional Services - Funeral Director’s/Home services and fees• Care of deceased• Embalming• Casketing and dressing of the deceased• Use of facilities for a viewing/wake/visitation for 2 hours (choice ofafternoon or evening)• Funeral or memorial ceremony at the funeral home (use of thechapel or church the same day or the following day for the funeralservice), and• Municipal Registration FeeThe funeral home will provide the following:• Transfer of remains to funeral home, and• Transfer remains to cemetery or crematorium (using service wagon)In addition, if required the funeral home may provide:• A family vehicle when the family is unable to provide their ownmeans of transportation, and• Flower carType ofCasketWhen there is a viewing/wake/visitation at the funeral home thefollowing type casket will be provided:• Hinge plate style, half inch plate wood construction, covering ofgrey vicuna cloth, white rayon interior pillow, interior bedding, sixhandles.The casket size will vary according to the size of the child.Continued on next page29

Type B Funeral and Cremation for Dependant Adult/Child,ContinuedMemorialServiceWhen the deceased is to be cremated and the family wishes to have amemorial service only and no casket present at the funeral home thefollowing casket will be provided:• A casket used for the purpose of cremation.Consent toCremateBy law only family members or executors may request cremation. Inaddition, all family members involved must agree to the cremation ofthe remains.It is the Funeral Director’s responsibility to investigate andenforce these regulations.CremationCosts Include• The funeral director’s fee• Transportation of the deceased, and• Care of the deceased, i.e. preparation requirements for cremationCrematedRemainsOW will only cover the costs for the container to be:• Retained by the family, or• Buried in a cemetery, or• Scattered on common ground, or• Scattered on one’s private property.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease or where the by-law requires thecremated remains must be placed in a vault or crypt.Note: A vault or crypt would be an additional charge.OW does not cover costs where the family requests the remains beplaced in a mausoleum, columbarium or an urn.30

Direct Disposition (Alternative funeral services)IntroductionSome funeral homes may offer an inexpensive service known asDirect Disposition. A funeral home director may be authorized to beable to take the deceased from the place of their death and transportthem directly to a cemetery or crematorium.PolicyA direct disposition funeral can be a funeral alternative where there isno next of kin or the next of kin does not want any formal funeralservice or to be present at the graveside e.g. unclaimed body.TransferServicesTransfer Services are companies that offer the ‘direct disposition’option.Transfer companies are offering a service and complete thedocumentation required in the Province of Ontario.CPU CW’s may ask the funeral provider if they are a licensed transferservice who can provide this alternative funeral service.31

Direct Disposition - BurialPolicyWhen the deceased does not have a next of kin or friend thedeceased may be transported directly to the cemetery if the deceasedis only to be interred (buried) without embalming (or minimal whererequired by law).If there is no viewing required at the funeral home or graveside directdisposition of the deceased may be an option. In these casesembalming is not required if the body is buried within 48 hours.A licensed Transfer Service is able to assist in these types of requests.TransferServicesProvidedThe Transfer Service will provide the following:• The removal of the deceased from the place of death• The placement of the deceased in a casket or simple containerused for burial• The delivery of the deceased to the cemetery• The filing of necessary documentation• The Funeral Director’s fee• Transportation, and• Care of the deceased (minimal embalming if required).CasketIn the case of a direct disposition for burial where there is no viewingor graveside service a simple casket or container required for burial isused.BurialWhen the deceased is to be interred the following will be included inthe costs for a burial:• Opening and closing of cemetery plot• Grave marker, and• Provincial Licensing FeeBy law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease, or where the by-law requires thecasket/cremated remains must be placed in a vault or crypt.Note: A vault or crypt would be an additional charge.32

Direct Disposition - CremationPolicyWhen the deceased has a next of kin, but the family does not want aviewing at a funeral home or service at the crematorium and requeststhe deceased be directly transferred to the crematorium.A licensed Transfer Service is able to assist in these types of requests.By law only family members or executors may request cremation. Inaddition, all family members involved must agree to the cremation ofthe remains.Note: It is the Funeral Director’s responsibility to investigate andenforce these regulations.TransferServicesProvidedA transfer services will provide the following services:• The removal of the deceased from the place of death• The placement of the deceased in a simple container used forcremation• The delivery of the deceased to the crematorium and• The filing of necessary documentation• The funeral director’s fee• Transportation of the deceased, and• Care of the deceasedCasketThough a casket may not be required for cremation, the crematoriumrequires that the deceased be enclosed in some kind of rigid containerof combustible material used for cremation.The casket that may be used for a direct disposition - cremation is:• A simple container used for the purpose of cremation only, alsoreferred to as a cremation casket.CrematedRemainsOW will cover the costs for the container if the cremated remains are:• Retained by the family, or• Buried in a cemetery, or• Scattered on common ground, or• Scattered on one’s private property.By law a vault or crypt may be required in circumstances where thedeceased had an infectious disease. OW does not cover the costswhere the family requests the remains be place in a mausoleum,columbarium, or an urn.33

Additional CostsIntroductionIn some cases provisions for the funeral service may incur additionalcosts e.g. oversized casket. These costs may be approved by theCPU CW up to the $5,000 maximum.AdditionalCostsAdditional charges requested or required are to be reviewed by theCPU CW and are subject to Supervisor approval if the total costsexceed the $5,000 maximum. Additional charges will be assessed ona case by case basis.• Religious ceremony• Honorarium to clergy or religious leader• Oversize casket• In cases where service is provided for a person infected with acontagious disease such as Hepatitis B, HIV-positive, etc…• Coroners Fee• A vault or crypt (where required by the cemeteries by-laws)• Witnessing of cremation• Any other additional chargesIf the family chooses to be at the cemetery for the burial, thefuneral home often charges an additional fee for a gravesideservice.Continued on next page34

Additional Costs, ContinuedCosts NotCoveredThe following requests are not approved under OW in Peel, and ifthese extra services are requested by a family or individual, then OW’scontract with the Funeral Service provider will be rendered null andvoid.• Police Escorts• Family shipping the body out of the Province/Country• Family wishing to purchase a concrete or steel outer container,vault or crypt (except where it is required by law e.g. deceased hasan infectious disease)• Families requesting storage of body where extra charges areincurred.• Head Stones• Urns• Disinterment (exhuming of a body) or cremated remains• Use of the Chapel at the Cemetery/Crematorium• Transportation of cremated remains to another province or country.OptionsPayable byFamilyThe following items are not paid for or covered by OW in Peel, but ifprovided these will not void the contract:• Prayer cards• Stationary• An organist• Obituary notices• FlowersThe families may pay for these items themselves. OW will not considerthis an upgrade.FuneralServiceUpgradesFamilies on occasion may request to upgrade the funeral servicesprovided and request that OW pay the difference in the cost.Any upgrades to the services, and/or casket will render the contractwith the family/individual and OW, null and void. The family must thenassume all costs associated with the funeral services.35

Mosques and other Religious group or organizationsFuneral Rites/RitualsIntroductionA Mosque is a Muslim place of worship.Mosques or their religious leaders are not licensed funeral serviceproviders. Mosques cannot charge for “funeral type services and/orequipment” e.g. caskets, transportation costs of the body. If a Mosqueis providing funeral items through a licensed funeral home then thefuneral home will be paid for these items.Funeral Rites/RitualsPolicyA Mosque may perform ceremonies for their members at no cost tothe family however; the Mosque is only allowed to perform a ritual orrite because of their religious beliefs.If the Mosque is charging the family for services or equipment, OWwill not provide assistance to the family to cover these costs.We will provide assistance for an honorarium to any religious leaderwithin a Mosque where the religious leader is recognized by theMosque to perform the funeral rites/rituals for the deceased person.The cost for a rite/ritual performed by the Imam will only becovered once.Some of the restrictions the Mosque is limited to are:• “The provision of services must be on a non-profit basis and theymust retain supporting documentary proof, which will always beavailable for inspection by the Board of Funeral Services.• Members of the Mosque must never imply that the Mosque islicensed by the Board of Funeral Services.• Any transfer of a human body must be done by a funeral home ortransfer service licensed by the Board of Funeral Services, or by amember of the deceased’s family.Note: The above will also apply to any other unlicensed religiousorganization and is in compliance with the Funeral DirectorsAssociation.Continued on next page36

Witnessing/RetortDefinitionWitnessing: is to witness the actual cremation of the deceased. Thiscustom is held at the crematorium.Retort: is a location where the cremation takes place i.e. at acrematorium.IntroductionIn some cultures it is customary to witness the actual cremation of thedeceased.The preferred process is to have this take place immediately followingthe service so that the deceased is not left alone and the family is partof the whole process. The retort has to be provided by theCrematorium and does incur an additional cost to the funeral.PolicyOn a case by case basis and at the request of the family, this processmay be approved by the CPU CW.Families requesting to witness the cremation of the deceased areeligible for a Type A or Type B funeral plus $150 + HST forwitnessing.OW will not pay for any extra service e.g. a religious leader at theCrematorium for this custom.38

Grave Markers and Interment Rights, ContinuedTransferringIntermentRights -before burialPrior to the deceased being buried the CPU CW should review theoption of transferring the interment rights with the next of kin at thetime of the funeral arrangements.Criteria totransferIntermentRights beforethe burialThe criteria to transfer interment rights before the burial:• Transferring interment rights must be completed prior to the burialof the deceased;• Families who wish to have the interment rights transferred shouldmake this request to the cemetery owner;• OW is not responsible to pay any administration costs for thetransfer of interment rights;• OW is not to pay for the upgraded marker;• OW will not allow a burial plot to be changed to another location inthe cemetery because of an upgraded marker. Social Services hasdesignated burial plots within a cemetery and families must followthe guidelines of the cemetery when placing an upgraded markeron a designated Social Services burial plot.• The cemetery owner must approve the transfer and complete therequired documents to transfer the interment rights;• Transfer of interment rights documents must be photocopied andplaced in the file;• A Supervisor must sign the documents to transfer the intermentrights.TransferringIntermentRights afterburialAfter the deceased has been buried the CPU CW may transferinterment rights after the burial if a family member would like toreplace OW’s grave marker.Criteria totransferIntermentRights afterthe burialThe criteria to transfer interment after the burial:• OW must pay for the administration costs required to transfer theinterment rights;• The cemetery owner must approve the transfer and complete therequired documents to transfer the interment rights;• Transfer of interment rights documents must be photocopied andplaced in the file;• A Supervisor must sign the documents to transfer the intermentrights40

Approved Maximum Rates – Funeral, Burial and CremationServicesEffective July 1 st 2010HST whereapplicableAdult ServiceType A Funeral Up to maximum $1250.00 + 13% HSTAdult ServiceType BChild Services up to21 years of ageUp to maximum $2,500.00Fetus Up to maximum $125.00+ 13% HST+ 13% HSTStill birth to one month Up to maximum $175.00 + 13% HST1 month to 12 months Up to maximum $541.00+ 13% HST1 year to 5 years Up to maximum $737.00 + 13% HST5 years to 10 years Up to maximum 1697.00 + 13% HST11 years to 21 years Up to maximum $2,500.00 + 13% HSTBurial Adult $ 1000 +13% HSTChild (casket size 40’-60’) $ 560.00 + 13% HSTInfant(casket size less than 40’)Opening and closing only andplot owned by deceased,Mosque or other organization$ 384.00 + 13% HST$ 645.21 + 13% HSTCremation Adult $390.60 + 13% HSTChild (stillbirth to 10 years) $161.00 + 13% HSTWitnessing Fee $ 105.00 + 13% HSTBurial of CrematedRemainsCost to Scatter toCremated Remainson Common Ground$315.65 + 13% HSTAdult $175.00 + 13% HSTChild (stillbirth to 10 years) $123.05 + 13% HSTDirect DispositionTransfer Service andBurial/CremationAdult $1000.00 + 13% HST41

Additional ChargesHonorarium toClergy/Clergy Care$75.00 +13% HSTOversized Casket $70.00 + 13% HSTSpecial Handling ofRemains withInfectious Diseases$325.00 + 13% HSTFuneral Procession$1.20/kmHST N/A(travel exceeding a50km radius offuneral home)MunicipalRegistration FeeBramptonToronto$25.00$50.00 – no charge for stillbornHST N/A for allmunicipalitiesMississauga$50.00 – no charge for stillbornOakville$25.00 for residents of Oakville$35.00 for non-residentsNo charge for stillborn$25.00 - additional charge forafter hours callsCaledon$12.50 – no charge for stillbornCoroner’s Fee $75.00 HST N/AVault or Crypt (whererequired)Cost to be approved bysupervisor+ 13% HST42

• Recoveries/ReimbursementsIntroductionOW in Peel will not seize the assets of the deceased to satisfy itscharge for the cost of the funeral.Reimbursements will be sought from:• the person responsible for administering the estate,• any person or organization liable for the payment of the funeralexpenses or any portion thereof.Recoveries/ReimbursementsPolicyOW in Peel is entitled to recover any amounts paid for a funeral andburial/cremation from the deceased’s assets (i.e. bankaccounts/income and/or any other financial resources that may havebeen available).It is important to note CPU CWs must inquire if there is a last Willfor the deceased. The last Will indicates to whom the deceased hasleft as Executor of the estate.In all cases where an Executor has been named, only the Executorcan make decisions for the funeral arrangements. CPU CWs shallonly deal with the Executor in these circumstances.OW in Peel will not seize any assets belonging to the estate of thedeceased and/or cannot claim personal belongings regardless of valueto recover costs. OW cannot act as the executor or administrator ofan estate.CPU CWs are to determine the sources from where money may berecovered. Funds that may be recovered will be collected by theRecoveries Control Clerks. If the deceased was a member of a familyunit and held a joint bank account the funds cannot be recovered fromthese sources.PotentialSources forRecoveriesRecoveries will be collected from one or more sources listed belowand from any individual responsible to administer the estate on behalfof the deceased.Last OAS/GIS/GAINS/CPPDisabilityAn attempt can be made to recover the deceased’s old age pensionand/or GAINS cheque. If the cheque has already been issued, themoney can only be recovered if the last cheques are returned. In turn,43

Chequethe cheques could be re-issued to OW.In most cases, OAS/GIS/GAINS/ and CPP Disability will not reimbursefunds to OW directly. They will only send any monies owing directly tothe family.Life InsurancePolicyIf the deceased has a valid insurance policy, the value of the policy willdetermine the eligibility for assistance.If the value of the policy exceeds the cost of the funeral and burial,there is no eligibility for an OW funded funeral. The life insurancecompany will pay the money to the estate and the Executor isresponsible to pay the funeral expenses from all existing sources.If the value of the policy is less that the cost of the funeral/burial,assistance can only be considered where the combined value of thepolicy and other liquid assets are below the cost for a funeral/burial(our funeral/burial costs).Non-SARSIf the value of the policy exceeds the OW – Non SARS asset level forthe type of funeral and burial, regardless of who is named as thebeneficiary, there is no eligibility for assistance. An OW fundedfuneral for a Non-SAR can only be considered where the value of theinsurance policy combined with the other liquid assets is below theallowable asset level.Motor VehicleAccidentWhere the death was the result of a motor vehicle accident (in theProvince of Ontario), due to “No Fault Insurance”, a benefit will bepayable for funeral expenses to a maximum of $6,000. The next of kinshould contact the insurance company directly.If there is no insurance or the death was as a result of a hit and run,the next of kin should contact the Motor Vehicle Claims Fund,Financial Services Commission of Ontario at 416-250-1422 to obtainthe funding for funeral expenses.Continued on next page44

Recoveries/Reimbursements, ContinuedCriminal InjuriesCompensationBoardIf a person died as a result of a crime of violence (e.g. assault,murder), the person who is paying for the funeral can make anapplication to have the funeral/burial expenses covered.Family members may be eligible for other benefits such as, throughthe Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) and anapplication should be made. Contact: (416) 326-2900.If the deceased is eligible for this fund an application may be madethrough the CICB and OW would not be involved.This fund can take up to 2 years to process; therefore, in cases ofhardship, these can be assessed on a case by case basis. If OWdoes assist in the funeral expenses, reimbursement cannot beobtained from the CICB.Victim ServicesVictim Services assists individuals who are victims of a crime,domestic violence etc. They may also assist a spouse ordependent to obtain financial compensation from the CICB.Contact: (905) 568-8800Last PostFundIf an individual has served in the Allied Armed Forces, eligibility forfinancial assistance through the Last Post may be available.This is non-profit corporation dedicated to providing a dignified funeraland burial to eligible veterans. They provide a full traditional funeral,with plot and memorial provided (up to a maximum of $ 3600.00).To be eligible, the individual must have been a member of HerMajesty’s:• Army, Navy or Air Forces or similar forces allied with HerMajesty and served on active service during World War 1 orWorld War 2, or• Served at any time before October 31, 1953 having participatedin the military operations of the United Nations to restore peacein the Republic of Korea, or• Served within the Merchant Navy Veteran and Civilian WarrelatedBenefits Act.If the deceased is eligible for this fund, an application may be madethrough the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and OW would not beinvolved. Department of Veterans Affairs Contact: 1-866-522-2122Continued on next page45

Recoveries/Reimbursements, ContinuedWSIBProvides full service for the cost of a funeral and burial for a workerwho dies as a result of a work related accident.Contact the deceased’s adjudicator or call WSIB’s general inquiryline at (416) 344-1000.If the deceased is eligible for this fund, an application may be madethrough the Worker’s Safety and Insurance Board and OW wouldnot be involved.46