The deceased must have died in St. Lucie County and cannot have any assets over $750 at the time of their death. Verifying documentation required.

If the deceased death is a result of a car accident or a crime, they may be eligible for Victim’s Compensation.

If the deceased was legally married, marital assets must be used to determine eligibility. Marital assets must be used for couples who are not legally divorced. Legally married couples may be entitled to a $255 death benefit if the deceased was receiving social security.

If an individual is under 18 years of age, the parent’s assets are used to determine eligibility.

The following is considered assets:

• Any property owned by the deceased or legally married spouse at the time of death. If an individual is under 18 years of age, the parent’s assets are used to determine eligibility.
• Any vehicles owned by the deceased or legally married spouse at the time of death. If an individual is under 18 years of age, the parent’s assets are used to determine eligibility.
• The cash value of all checking and/or savings account(s) in the deceased name or legally married spouse at the time of death. If an individual is under the 18 years of age, the parent’s assets are used to determine eligibility.
• The cash value for all IRA’s, stocks, bonds or 401Ks in the deceased name or legally married spouse at the time of death. If an individual is under 18 years of age, the parent’s assets are used to determine eligibility.
• All life insurance policies in the deceased's name.

Verifying documentation required.

If the individual had automobile insurance at the time of death, they would not be eligible for assistance. Florida is one of ten states that have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance. In Florida, PIP coverage is required by all owners who have active vehicle registrations. PIP insurance provides a death benefit of $5,000 per person where a death arises out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle. These funds would make them ineligible for assistance. They may also be eligible for Victim's Compensation, which would make them ineligible for assistance.

Please contact 1-800-226-6667 to determine if the deceased is eligible for Victim’s Compensation.

No, the individual must have already passed away to be eligible. If they are in palliative care, please call back once they have passed. 

Only the "legally authorized person" as defined by Florida Statue 497.005(43) is entitled to the deceased’s ashes. The "legally authorized person" may choose to release the ashes to anyone of their choice.

If you are a funeral home and would like to participate in the Indigent Cremation Program, please write a letter of intent requesting to join the rotation. Please mail all letters to:

St. Lucie County Community Services
ATTN: Indigent Cremation Program
2300 Virginia Ave
Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Once the letter is received, you will be contacted with additional information. Please note the funeral home must be in St. Lucie County.