AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUMAN REMAINS.

Burial help for low-income Delaware residents

The law covers unclaimed bodies or remains of people with little money when Delaware state or local government is responsible. The Chief Medical Examiner or an authorized representative must notify Social Services to arrange burial or cremation, unless the consent-based alternative applies. With written consent from next of kin or another legally responsible person, options include natural organic reduction, cremation, or scientific research donation. Publicly funded burial or cremation for a person with little money requires an order from Social Services. The Department of Health and Social Services must set uniform service standards and fees at the lowest local cost meeting those standards. Available Social Security, veterans’ benefits, other benefits, or insurance reduce the public payment for burial or cremation.