Purpose

Black Hawk County Community Services will provide funeral assistance to people with legal settlement in Black Hawk County who are indigent thru the Black Hawk County Community Services Office.

Assistance

Black Hawk County Community Services will pay the following for services to be rendered:

Rates

Funeral Services (All Ages) $1,000.00
Cremation (All Ages) $1,000.00
Transportation of deceased to be returned to Black Hawk
County within the State of Iowa if they are a Black Hawk
County resident $ 100.00

For Any Individual Over 1 Year of Age (Monday Thru Saturday) $ 500.00
For Any Individual Over 1 Year of Age (Sundays & Holidays) $ 650.00
For Baby Up to 1 Year of Age $ 100.00
Cremation (All Ages) $ 130.00
Winter Cremations, Sunday Cremations & Holiday Cremations $ 230.00
Thaw Charges $ 75.00
Grave Marker (Shaulis Road Only & Includes Installation) $ 165.00

A. Funeral Services: Black Hawk County Community Services will provide assistance for funeral services in the sum of $1,000.00. This includes individuals of all ages.
B. Cremation: Black Hawk County Community Services will provide assistance for a cremation in the sum of $1,000.00. This includes individuals of all ages.
C. Transients: Black Hawk County Community Services will provide assistance for funeral services of nonresident indigent transients in the sum of $1,000.00 who do not have legal settlement in another county. If applicant has legal settlement in another Iowa county, applicant will be referred to the General Assistance Director of the County of settlement.
D. Cemetery Arrangements: Black Hawk County Community Services will only assist with the opening and closing of the grave if the burial takes place at the Shaulis Road Cemetery. Black Hawk County will also provide a grave marker at the Shaulis Road Cemetery. If the deceased has a lot in another cemetery, the family is going to be responsible for the cost to open and close that grave.

Applicants will be determined indigent and eligible for assistance if their representative affirms that they meet the conditions outlined in the Black Hawk County Burial Affidavit.

Reimbursement

Any reimbursements realized from Veterans Administration
Death Benefits or monies from private sources including savings, life insurance, sale of property, bonds, general income, etc., shall be deducted from the assistance allowance provided by the Community Services Agency unless said reimbursement falls under the Exception rule as stated below. The County will be responsible for collecting all reimbursements.

Exception to Policy

When special and/or unusual circumstances shall occur, the Director shall obtain approval of the Board of Supervisors, by majority, for approval of extra funds needed.

Appeal Process

Any applicant who is denied assistance shall be informed of that decision in person, by telephone, and/or by mail. He/she may appeal that decision in writing to the Director of the Black Hawk County Community Services Office within five (5) working days. The Director shall conduct a 1^st level appeal within ten (10) working days of the appeal request. The Director will issue a decision within five (5) working days of the appeal interview. Applicants not satisfied with the Director’s decision may proceed to appeal process outlined in County Ordinance, Chapter 4 General Relief Program, and Section 1-4-10 Appeal. Assistance in filing the appeal shall be provided to any applicant who has difficulty because of inability to read, write, or understand the appeal process.