Tribal Burial and Support Programs

Tribal Burial and Support Programs

Tribal Burial and burial support programs (Food for Funeral and Grave House Assistance) are for Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens only*. For members of other tribes within MCN Jurisdiction, BIA Burial Assistance is available.

Burial Application

Eligibility Requirements for Tribal Burial Programs

1. The deceased must be an enrolled Muscogee (Creek) Citizen.
   *Exception: Children under five (5) years old and not enrolled Muscogee (Creek) will be considered. A copy of the parent’s citizenship card is required, along with the child’s birth certificate showing the parents name(s). Hospital verification/medical documents can be accepted in lieu of a birth certificate on a case-by-case basis. One biological parent must be enrolled with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
2. Death must have occurred within required time limit for program.
   1. Tribal Burial, Food for Funeral Death must have occurred within one (1) year from the time the responsible party makes the application.
   2. Grave House Assistance Death must have occurred within thirty (30) days from the time the responsible party makes the application. Death must be on or after October 1, 2023.

Tribal Burial

All burial applicants are first required to make a BIA application at an applicable BIA area office. Upon approval or denial of a BIA application, a Tribal Burial application will be initiated. BIA Burial and Tribal Burial payments may not exceed a combined total of $7,000 (for deaths occurring before 10/1/23, the maximum amount allowed is $4,500). In the event the funeral cost is less than the eligible amount, the funeral home or cemetery shall receive the actual cost. Payments will be made directly to funeral homes or cemeteries. Reimbursements will not be allowed.

Food for Funeral

Food for Funeral assistance is up to $750 (for deaths occurring before 10/1/23, the maximum amount allowed is up to $500). Food vouchers will be issued to authorized parties and food expense reimbursements will be issued to the responsible party. Food vouchers will be redeemable at eligible food vendors.

Grave House Assistance

Grave House Assistance is up to $500. Death must have occurred on or after October 1, 2023 to be eligible. Vouchers will be issued to the authorized party. Vouchers will be redeemable at eligible lumber/construction vendors. Reimbursements will not be allowed.

Required Documentation

The information on this page is not all-inclusive and assistance is not guaranteed. Cases are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and subject to review/approval.

1. Signed application (Must be signed by the same person who signed burial contract)
2. Muscogee (Creek) Tribal citizenship verification for deceased
3. Social Security Card for deceased
4. Signed burial contract
5. Parent’s citizenship card (when applicable)
6. Additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis.