Onondaga County Medicaid Cremation & Funeral Assistance
Need help with the cost of an immediate cremation in Onondaga County, New York? Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service helps families understand and navigate the Onondaga County funeral-assistance process. If financial assistance may be needed, contact us before cremation or funeral services are performed.
For a qualifying case approved and authorized through the applicable Onondaga County assistance process, Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service accepts the county-authorized payment for the immediate cremation service. "Medicaid cremation" is a common phrase people use when searching for help with final expenses. Medicaid itself does not provide a single statewide New York cremation benefit. Funeral and cremation assistance for qualifying cases is administered through the applicable local government process.
Onondaga County at a Glance
- County seat
- Syracuse
- County assistance
- Subject to DSS approval
- DSS office
- Syracuse, NY 13202
- Onondaga County DSS
- (315) 748-0437
- Savage-DeMarco
- 909-PLAN-NOW
- Communities served
- Syracuse, Camillus, Cicero +7 more
Onondaga County Department of Social Services
Office: Onondaga County DSS-Economic Security — Burial Assistance
Address: John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Main DSS Telephone: (315) 748-0437
Office Hours: Monday–Friday
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Assistance Center
You do not need to contact DSS yourself — we handle the paperwork. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service coordinates with Onondaga County DSS on your family's behalf.
909-PLAN-NOW (909-752-6669)Onondaga County Funeral Allowance
Subject to DSS approval
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service will help coordinate the applicable county assistance process and confirm the applicable county authorization and payment as part of handling the case. Eligibility, authorization, and payment decisions are made solely by Onondaga County Department of Social Services.
May be covered by the allowance:
- Immediate cremation service — county-authorized payment for qualifying cases
- Applicable county payment determined through the Onondaga County assistance process
- Onondaga County's Burial Assistance materials recognize cremation as one of the disposition options addressed through the county assistance process
Eligibility and payment are determined by Onondaga County Department of Social Services. MedicaidCremation.com and Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service do not determine eligibility.
Who May Be Considered for Assistance?
Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the individual case and the resources available for final expenses. Onondaga County Department of Social Services determines government eligibility under the applicable county requirements. Medicaid enrollment by itself should not be presented as automatic qualification for funeral or cremation assistance. If you are unsure whether assistance may be available, contact Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service before services are performed and we can help you understand the process.
Income limit
Eligibility factors are determined by Onondaga County Department of Social Services under applicable county requirements. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service can help families understand what information may be needed.
Resource limit
Available resources are considered by Onondaga County DSS as part of the assistance review. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service can help families understand what information may be requested.
Methodology
Eligibility and payment decisions are made solely by Onondaga County DSS under applicable New York law and county policy.
Asset & resource treatment
Onondaga County DSS considers available resources before authorizing assistance. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service can help families understand what information may be requested.
What Information May Be Needed?
The information needed depends on the circumstances of the individual case and Onondaga County's current requirements. The county may request information concerning the deceased person's available financial resources and other information needed to determine eligibility and authorize assistance. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service can help identify and coordinate the funeral-service information needed for the applicable county assistance process.
Case and Identification Information
Information identifying the deceased and the person making arrangements may be requested by Onondaga County DSS.
Financial and Resource Information
DSS may request information concerning available funds, insurance, prepaid funeral arrangements, or other resources that could be available for funeral expenses.
Funeral Arrangement Information
The funeral home provides applicable pricing and arrangement documentation required under county procedures.
Additional Information
Onondaga County DSS may request additional documentation depending on the circumstances of the case. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service can help families identify what may be needed.
Who Signs & How It Gets Submitted
Who signs the claim
The licensed funeral director signs as the provider. The next of kin or legally authorized representative also signs the authorization for release of remains and assignment of benefits, as applicable.
Submitted to
Onondaga County DSS-Economic Security — Burial Assistance, John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.
Deadline
If you believe financial assistance may be needed, contact Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service promptly and before cremation or funeral services are performed. Onondaga County's Burial Assistance application states that an application submitted after funeral services have already been performed will be denied. Starting before services are performed allows the applicable assistance and authorization process to occur before the cremation.
Process
You do not need to contact DSS yourself — we handle the paperwork. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service helps families navigate the funeral-service portion of the Onondaga County assistance process. We can explain immediate-cremation arrangements, help identify the funeral-service information that may be needed, and coordinate with the applicable county process. Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service will help confirm the applicable county authorization and payment as part of handling the case. Government eligibility, authorization, and payment decisions remain with the applicable government agency.
How Long Does Onondaga County DSS Review Take?
Processing time depends on the circumstances of the case and whether DSS has received the information it requires. Families should contact Onondaga County DSS or the assisting funeral director for current case-specific information. MedicaidCremation.com does not publish an unverified processing-time estimate.
Local Healthcare Facilities — Onondaga County
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service coordinates with these facilities when a death occurs in Onondaga County. If your loved one passed away at one of these locations, we can arrange direct transfer.
Hospitals
Nursing & Long-Term Care Facilities
Hospice Programs
Frequently Asked Questions — Onondaga County
Does Medicaid pay for cremation in Onondaga County?
Medicaid itself does not provide a single statewide New York cremation benefit. Funeral and cremation assistance for qualifying cases in Onondaga County is handled through the applicable local assistance process.
Can Onondaga County help with an immediate cremation?
Assistance may be available for qualifying cases. Onondaga County Department of Social Services determines government eligibility, authorization, and applicable county payment.
When should I apply for funeral assistance?
Start before cremation or funeral services are performed. Onondaga County's Burial Assistance application states that an application submitted after funeral services have already been performed will be denied. Call Savage-DeMarco at 909-PLAN-NOW (909-752-6669) as soon as you believe assistance may be needed.
Will Savage-DeMarco accept the county-authorized payment?
Yes. For a qualifying case approved and authorized through the applicable Onondaga County assistance process, Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service accepts the county-authorized payment for the immediate cremation service.
How much does Onondaga County pay?
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service will help confirm the applicable county authorization and payment as part of handling the case. Call 909-PLAN-NOW (909-752-6669) to start the process.
Do I need to contact DSS before calling Savage-DeMarco?
No. You can start by calling Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service at 909-PLAN-NOW (909-752-6669). We can help you understand the funeral-assistance process and coordinate the funeral-service portion of the case.
Does having Medicaid automatically qualify someone?
No. Medicaid enrollment by itself should not be treated as automatic qualification for Onondaga County funeral or cremation assistance. Government eligibility is determined through the applicable county process.
What should I do first?
Call Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service at 909-PLAN-NOW (909-752-6669) before services are performed. We can discuss the immediate-cremation arrangements and help you understand the applicable county assistance process.
How long does approval take?
Timing can vary depending on the circumstances and information required. If assistance may be needed, begin the process promptly and before services are performed.
How Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service Can Help
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service can help families understand the Onondaga County funeral-assistance process, identify information that may be requested, prepare funeral arrangements consistent with the applicable program, and communicate with the appropriate agency.
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service does not determine government eligibility. Onondaga County DSS makes government eligibility and payment decisions under the applicable county process.
Last verified: Program confirmed active. Current payment amount: determined through the Onondaga County assistance process.
Important: County policies, allowances, and procedures can change. Information on this page is provided as a general resource. Families and funeral providers should confirm current requirements for the individual case.
MedicaidCremation.com is a privately operated funeral-assistance information service. It is not a government agency and is not affiliated with Medicaid, New York State, or Onondaga County. Funeral services in the Twin Tiers are provided by Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service. Government eligibility, authorization, and payment decisions are made solely by the applicable government agency.
Start Your Funeral Assistance Review
Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service is available 24 hours a day to help Onondaga County families understand the county process and prepare the necessary arrangements. Call us or submit a review request online.