Funeral & Burial Assistance for Children

This program was established in 2023 to provide funeral and burial assistance for child victims of gun violence.

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What is the Purpose of the Program?

The Murdered Children Funeral and Burial Assistance Program allows for direct payment to the funeral establishments and cemetery authorities for funeral and burial expenses on behalf of eligible survivors of eligible child victims.

Who Can Receive Services?

Funeral establishments and cemetery / crematory authorities providing services to the eligible child victim(s). These establishments must be licensed by the State of Illinois.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE VICTIMS?

A child under 17 years of age who was:

  • Killed in the state of Illinois by a firearm, and
  • As a result of one of the following circumstances:
    • First degree murder
    • Second degree murder,
    • Volunteer manslaughter of an unborn child,
    • Voluntary manslaughter; and
    • Involuntary manslaughter of an unborn child.

WHO ARE ELIGIBLE VICTIMS?

  • The parent or guardian of the child victim or,
  • Another individual in the household of the child victim in a relationship with the victim that is substantially similar to that of a parent; and
  • Has or shares the authority to direct the disposition of the remains for the victim pursuant to the Illinois Disposition of Remains Act; and
  • Has a Household income of less than 150% of the federal poverty level.

How do I submit a Disbursement Request?

The establishment providing services for the eligible victim should submit the IL444-1961, Application for Funeral and Burial Assistance for the Murdered Children Program. Completed applications and supporting documents for disbursement request can be sent to:

BUREAU OF LOCAL OFFICE AND TRANSACTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Funeral and Burial Unit

100 S Grand Ave East, 2nd floor
Springfield, IL 62762

A funeral establishment and/or cemetery authority may submit a claim request within 365 days of the occurrence of the crime for which the disbursement is sought.

Maximum Amount that IDHS will Pay for Burial Assistance.

The total amount of disbursement to a funeral establishment and cemetery authority on behalf of a child victim, including payments made from other agencies and sources cannot exceed $10,000.

Disbursement amounts shall be adjusted annually beginning July 1, 2024, with the CPI-U