Childs funeral expense assistance in TX?

[SoonerSarah]

First off...this is not for me, I'm not asking anyone here for money and the parents aren't either.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any organizations that can help with the funeral expenses of a child from Texas. He had brain tumors (the primary one was inoperable, although he did have several more that were operated on), a 15 month battle with chemo, radiation, many hospital stays and surgeries. His parents have insurance, but that only goes so far. They had tried to apply for SSI and medicaid for him, and were in the process of trying to get the SSI approved when he died. They were told that he was approved and then were told a week or two later that he was denied.

Anyway, I know they have a lot of bills and I'm just trying to help point them to organizations that might be able to give assistance. I have found a few so far, but they will be specific to infants only or a state.

 

[Deesknee]

I'm very sorry for this family.

I'm from a small town in MA. I know several of the local funeral homes are very generous when the families have little money/insurance to bury a child. That may be a starting point for the family. If they can't help, they may know who/what agency may be able to.

What a heart breaking scenerio. Prayers.

 

[Cindy B]

You say they applied for SSI, but did they apply for Social Security Disability? Those are two different programs and one is for more limited incomes (SSI) and the other is for disabled people/even children-the disability program.

I used to work for Social Security a few years ago. Now my information may be old (I left in 2010)- but I would adjudicate disability awards even after the client passed away- they disability funds would go to the estate- usually either the children of the deceased or the grandparent. It is worth a call to ask if they filed NOT for SSI (which is asset based- if you have too "Much money" you will be denied) but for disability- which is injury based.

 

[deegack]

Have they tried the social worker at the hospital? They often of resources that people may be unaware of.

 

[clm10308]

Has anyone talked to a/the funeral home?

When my DSiL had a full term baby stillborn many years ago the funeral home provided the casket and graveside service at no charge. This was a large Funeral home in NW Houston.

 

[SoonerSarah]

I though childen who had not worked were not eligible for SSD? I had told them about SSI because that is what my daughter has, and our social worker gave us info for that, not for SSD. They have worked with some social workers, but I don't know that they have been all that helpful as I have been able to give the parents more information than they had.

 

[SoonerSarah]

According to this, for SSD you have to have worked. http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/ans...social-security-disability-and-ssi-disability

 

[swilshire]

One of our local funeral homes takes care of everything for children at no cost. I think that is wonderful. It's not just for poor families. All families. You might call around to see if there is a similar company in your area.

Thankfully, I haven't needed that service for a person of any age, but I certainly will remember this company when I do.

Sheila

 

[Cindy B]

According to this, for SSD you have to have worked. http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/ans...social-security-disability-and-ssi-disability

Not necessarily. Some people while under specific disabilities and have grown up to adults are under a specific program called disabled adult/child. (or DAC). These clients got disability payments even if they had no work history- but it was only due to the type of disability, age, date of onset, etc.

Sometimes it is worth a phone call or online claim just to see who or what programs you may eligible for.

 

[SoonerSarah]

Not necessarily. Some people while under specific disabilities and have grown up to adults are under a specific program called disabled adult/child. (or DAC). These clients got disability payments even if they had no work history- but it was only due to the type of disability, age, date of onset, etc.

Sometimes it is worth a phone call or online claim just to see who or what programs you may eligible for.

I'm curious as to where you got your information? A 7 year old boy would qualify? A two year old girl?

 

[Cindy B]

I'm curious as to where you got your information? A 7 year old boy would qualify? A two year old girl?

I used to work at SS. I didn't know the ages of children in the post. The DAC program was for clients that were disabled as a child and are now older. These children got disability from the time they were diagnosed and t hen got different sources of funding as they aged. These children never workedt were considered disabled.

I don't know if these children were disabled (in the OP) or not but they could have been. And if they were, they might be eligible.
But it will not work if the child is already deceased.- unless they had already filed for disability and it was still processing. You post says SSI but some people get confused by SSI or the disability program.
Lots of ifs.. but worth a check. She does not mention it, but if the child was disabled it could be worth something.