§ 38:17-4 — Liability for expenses of burial, cremation; exemptions; definitions.

38:17-4. The expense of the burial or cremation and headstone shall be borne and paid by the county in which the deceased shall be resident at the time of death, up to a cost of $250. The State shall provide additional funds for such expenses, if necessary, through an annual appropriation and subject to the availability of funds. The total cost shall not exceed $1,250 for burial or cremation. If in any county there is located a home or other institution for the use, care, shelter and maintenance of such veterans not supported by the county, such county shall not be liable for the burial or cremation expenses and headstones of the deceased, unless the deceased was a bona fide resident of such county at the time of his admission to such home or institution, but the county in which he was resident at the time of his admission to such home or institution shall defray, bear and pay the cost of such burial or cremation and headstones. This section shall apply only to deceased indigent veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. For the purposes of this section: "Indigent" shall mean a person who has an income that is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; and "Poverty level" shall mean the official poverty level based on family size established and adjusted under Section 673(2) of Subtitle B. of the federal "Community Services Block Grant Act," Pub.L.97-35 (42 U.S.C. s.9902(2)). amended 2013, c.238, s.4; 2023, c.17, s.4.