N.J. Admin. Code § 10:90-8.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 10:90-8.4 - Definitions and conditions

(a) When either of the contracting parties contemplates that a county or municipal agency will be asked to pay any part of the cost of a funeral and burial or cremation, either or both parties shall notify and consult with the county or municipal agency before the services take place. The probable allowance or disallowance of the claim shall be discussed at that time, but the agency is under no obligation to make a commitment of payment. The requirement of prior notice may be waived by the county or municipal agency upon a showing of good cause (as determined by the agency) which is not prejudicial to the validity of the claim.

1. If, however, the religious traditions of the decedent mandate that burial must occur within a timeframe which will not permit prior notice due to closure of the county or municipal agency on weekends or holidays, either or both of the contracting parties shall be permitted to notify the appropriate agency of the anticipated petition for payment on the first business day following the day of burial.

(b) Rules concerning the submission of petition for payment are the following:

1. The funeral director or other claimant shall, within 30 calendar days following burial or cremation, submit to the county or municipal agency a petition on Form WFNJ-11, or a substantially similar document acceptable to the agency, which certifies to services rendered, to payments contracted, received and expected; and to compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Petitions submitted beyond the 30 calendar day period may be considered upon a showing of good cause (as determined by the agency) which is not prejudicial to the validity of the claim.

2. A claim filed with a county or municipal agency for funeral, burial or cremation is not a demand for payment owing under a contract but is merely a petition for an allowance to be granted or denied consistent with these regulations. It has the effect of a demand, however, when the agency was the contracting party.

(c) The combined resources of a decedent means the aggregate net total of all of the following:

1. Cash on hand or in the hands of others as property of the decedent including personal needs accounts in long term care facilities (but excluding cash in the custody, possession or control of the county or municipal agency);

2. Other resources, such as securities, real estate, antique furniture and automobiles;

3. Life insurance or death or funeral benefits from public or private sources which have been received, or which are receivable by the estate of the decedent, by the decedent's spouse, children, father, mother, or any other beneficiary because of the death of the decedent;

4. Payments of the same nature as in (c)3 above which have been received by or which are receivable by any other person excepting such amounts as are lawfully claimed and proven by such person as a claimant for equitable refund of premiums paid;

5. Sums which have been paid or are promised to be paid on account of the death of the decedent by any other person or organization excepting such sums as have been paid or will be paid to the agency; and

6. Funds owed the decedent at the time of death.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:90-8.4