Makes supplemental appropriation of $8 million to DHS to increase reimbursement for funeral, burial, and crematory services provided to certain beneficiaries of Work First New Jersey and Supplemental Security Income programs.
Impact
This legislation is intended to enhance the financial assistance available for funeral and burial services, raising reimbursements by $1,000 for each eligible person. The intent is to alleviate the financial burden on eligible families during a difficult time, as the current maximum reimbursement is significantly lower than the actual costs of funeral services. In 2021, the average cost of funeral and cemetery charges was approximately $15,268, which indicates that the existing payments left a considerable gap for support.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3166 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $8 million to the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), specifically allocated to increase the reimbursement rates for funeral, burial, and crematory services for eligible beneficiaries of the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The bill seeks to address the insufficient funding gap for funeral services provided to low-income individuals and families, aiming to provide a more adequate financial support system in line with the rising average costs of such services.
Contention
Notably, the bill clarifies that the supplementary funding cannot be used to replace or supplant existing allocations for similar services, thus maintaining the level of funding specifically targeted to assist eligible individuals. This restriction is critical to ensure that the appropriation serves as an enhancement rather than a substitution for previously allocated funds. Critics may argue that while this bill increases support, it does not entirely resolve the funding gap faced by low-income families needing funeral services, as systemic issues regarding the average costs persist.
Carry Over
Makes supplemental appropriation of $8 million to DHS to increase reimbursement for funeral, burial, and crematory services provided to certain beneficiaries of Work First New Jersey and Supplemental Security Income programs.
Makes supplemental appropriation of $8 million to DHS to increase reimbursement for funeral, burial, and crematory services provided to certain beneficiaries of Work First New Jersey and Supplemental Security Income programs.
Increases Work First New Jersey Child Care appropriation by $28 million in FY2026 annual appropriations act to ensure full funding of child care subsidy program.
Increases Work First New Jersey Child Care appropriation by $28 million in FY2026 annual appropriations act to ensure full funding of child care subsidy program.
Increases personal needs allowance to $50 for recipients of Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income who are veterans or spouses of veterans and provides for annual cost-of-living increase in allowance.
Makes supplemental appropriation of $8 million to DHS to increase reimbursement for funeral, burial, and crematory services provided to certain beneficiaries of Work First New Jersey and Supplemental Security Income programs.
Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Corrections for an unanticipated shortfall related to operating, travel, information services, personnel services, training, transportation, maintenance, utilities and inmate-driven expenses. (BDR S-1224)