Burial Policy

Download the BHC Burial Policy here
Revised Policy approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors on July 1, 2022

Legal Reference

This policy is enacted to implement Black Hawk County’s obligation under Iowa Code Chapter 252, Support of the Poor.

Purpose

Black Hawk County General Assistance will provide funeral assistance to individuals who are:

with legal settlement in Black Hawk County under Iowa Code Chapter 252 and
who are indigent.

Assistance

Black Hawk County General Assistance will pay the following for services to be rendered:

A. Funeral and Cremation

Funeral Services (All Ages) $1,000.00
Cremation (All Ages) $1,000.00

B. Opening and Closing of Grave (Shaulis Road Cemetery Only)

Regular Burial Over 1 Year of Age (Monday Thru Saturday) $ 575.00
Regular Burial Over 1 Year of Age (Sundays & Holidays) $ 775.00
Regular Burial or Cremation Up to 1 Year of Age $ 100.00
Cremation Over 1 Year of Age (Monday Thru Saturday) $ 150.00
Cremation Over 1 Year of Age (Sundays & Holidays) $ 250.00
Thaw Charges for Regular Burial or Cremation $ 150.00
Grave Marker (Shaulis Road Cemetery Only & Includes Installation) $ 440.00

Transients

Black Hawk County General Assistance will assist with funeral services of nonresident indigent transients who do not have legal settlement in another county. If the applicant has a legal settlement in another county, the applicant will be referred to that county’s General Assistance Office.

Cemetery Arrangements

Black Hawk County General Assistance 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.

Cemetery Arrangements outside of Shaulis Road Cemetery

Black Hawk County General Assistance will make an exception for individuals, who by their practicing faith, are not allowed to be buried in a secular cemetery. If presented with clear and convincing evidence of this fact, the Black Hawk County General Assistance Coordinator may assist with the opening and closing of the grave, according to the fees outlined above, at a different cemetery.

Eligibility

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

Applicants shall be informed of their obligation to reimburse Black Hawk County for assistance paid, should any applicant later determine that any assets are available.

Exception to Policy

When special and/or unusual circumstances shall occur, the Coordinator 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, or by mail. Applicant may appeal that decision in writing to the General Assistance Coordinator within five (5) working days of the date of being informed of denial. The date of being informed of denial shall be (a) the date of the conversation if informed in person or by telephone, or (b) three (3) days following the date of mailing of written notice if informed by mail. The Coordinator shall conduct a 1st level appeal interview within five (5) working days of the appeal request. The Coordinator shall issue a decision within five (5) working days of the appeal interview. Applicants not satisfied with the Coordinator’s decision may proceed to appeal the decision to the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors. Black Hawk County shall aid in filing the appeal to any applicant who has difficulty because of inability to read, write, or understand the appeal process.