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The Illinois Funeral or Burial Trust Funds Act gives you the right
to put funeral funds in a trust and it is your loved one's right under the law to set aside personal funds for
funeral expenses. Also the rules of the Illinois Department of Public Aid allow people to place funds in trust
for burial expenses and still be eligible to receive public aid.
How much can
a person put in a funeral trust and still qualify for public aid?
The rules of the Illinois Department of Public Aid allow a person to purchase a casket, outer burial container
or vault, and the cemetery grave opening. These are considered exempt assets and will not be considered towards
total assets. You may also have up to $4919.00 in a irrevocable funeral trust for all other items necessary for the funeral
you choose. A person, in essence, can purchase and pre-finance their entire funeral and still be eligible for assistance
from Illinois Public Aid.
What must I do? back to top
Make an appointment to meet with your funeral director. The counselors are prepared to answer your questions about
prearrangements, trust funds, and public aid requirements. The funeral director is familiar with the rules on public
aid as well as the specific requirements for setting up funeral trusts and applying and qualifying for public aid.
What papers are needed to verify
that I have established a funeral trust?
The funeral director will prepare a Funeral Trust Agreement which shows the services which will be provided for
your loved one.
What
happens to the funds which I prepay? back to top
The Funeral or Burial Funds Act requires that your pre-need funds be deposited within thirty days in either a bank
or trust company authorized to do business in the state of Illinois, or a Federal Savings and Loan Association
or Illinois Savings and Loan Association, or Federal or Illinois Credit Union. Typically these funds will earn
interest.
Who else can answer questions
or provide help on setting up a trust?
The Illinois Funeral Directors Association can answer questions and give you information about pre-arranging funerals
and qualifying for public aid. You can call or write to them at:
Illinois Funeral Directors Association
215 South Grand Ave. West
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 1-800-240-4332 or 217-525-2000
Fax: 217-525-8342
http://www.ifda.org
Email: ifda@aol.com
back to top
You may also contact the Comptroller of the State of Illinois at:
Office of The Comptroller
Cemetery and Burial Trust Department
Suite 15-500
James R. Thompson Center
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-5783
Fax: 312-814-2986
Both of these organizations monitor the progress and professionalism
of funeral directors who provide pre-financed funerals for Illinois residents and others.
The Comptroller's Office can confirm for you that your funeral director is licensed to handle prearranged funds
and is also bonded.
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