I signed an agreement with the funeral home but I cannot afford the services. What do I do?

A signed agreement with a funeral home or crematory to prepare services may disqualify the decedent from program eligibility. A signed agreement or contract indicates financial responsibility has been asserted for the decedent's remains.

Do not sign an agreement for services unless you are able to be financially responsible for the decedent's remains. If you signed an agreement for services, then determine you are unable to handle the financial responsibility, you must cancel the agreement with the funeral home prior to any burial or cremation services have been rendered. If services have been rendered, then you must confer with the funeral home or crematory, as per the signed agreement - Otero County no longer has authority to assist. 

Please note that termination of an agreement with a funeral home is soley based upon the funeral home's discretion. Otero County does not assist in this matter. 

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1. How does my family obtain a death certificate?
2. How are Veterans honored?
3. Are there additional services for persons who received Social Security Benefits?
4. What about a death notice in the newspaper?
5. What does "indigent" mean?
6. What does "unclaimed" mean?
7. Who can apply for this program?
8. How does one qualify for the program?
9. How is the process started?
10. I signed an agreement with the funeral home but I cannot afford the services. What do I do?
11. Who is considered next of kin?
12. How long does the process take?
13. May the family hold a funeral / memorial service?
14. What happens to the cremated / unclaimed remains?
15. Who do I pay for the cremated remains?
16. Is this information up-to-date?