The Senate has approved on final reading Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2965, or the Free Funeral Services Act, which provides free funeral services to poor families in crisis.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Imee Marcos defines “poor” as families living below the poverty threshold set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), or those unable to meet basic needs such as food, health, education, and shelter, as defined under Republic Act No. 8425 (Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act).
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will determine eligibility based on crisis situations, including indigency, disasters, or emergencies that prevent families from affording funeral services.
Qualified families will receive an Indigent Funeral Package, which includes funeral documentation, embalming, burial or cremation, transport, inurnment, and casket, urn, or venue.
These services will be provided by accredited funeral homes nationwide. All providers must offer a standard package, regardless of location or type of establishment.
To claim the benefit, the family or representative must submit avalid ID of the claimant; a death certificate from a hospital, local health office, or tribal chieftain; a signed funeral contract between the family, funeral home, and DSWD representative; and a social case study by a licensed social worker.IMT
