Funeral Expense Assistance

Elsie Thomas, Director
3507 E. McKinley Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 573-7884 • (253) 573-7851 Fax
Email: Funeraldept@PuyallupTribe-nsn.gov


Mission Statement

The intent of the Funeral Expense Assistance Program is to assist Puyallup Tribal members with expenses associated with funeral arrangements.

Maximum Assistance Guidelines – Tribal Member

When deceased is a Puyallup Tribal member:
• Maximum amount of funeral assistance is $6,000;
• Maximum assistance for miscarriage or stillbirth (unborn child) $750;
• Funding can only be used for funeral, which includes; casket, urn, travel, funeral dinner and miscellaneous, i.e. clothing, blankets, flowers, or other items relating to funeral (receipts must be provided); and
• (1) Pendleton blanket – donated by Tribal Council.

Eligibility Requirements – Tribal Member

Deceased is:
• Member of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians;
• Spouse (Native or non-Native) of a Puyallup Tribal member;
• Stepchild or adopted child of a Puyallup Tribal member; or
• Stillbirth of a Puyallup Tribal Member.

Maximum Assistance Guidelines – Relative of Tribal Member

When deceased is a relative of a Puyallup Tribal member:
• The maximum amount of funeral assistance to aid a Tribal member when the deceased relative is not a Puyallup Tribal member is $750 (one-time payment to head of household).

Eligibility Requirements – Relative of a Tribal Member

When deceased relative is a:
• Spouse, Mother, Father, Child, Sister, Brother, Niece or Nephew, Aunt, Uncle, Grandmother, Grandfather, Grandchild or Great-grandchild.

Applications, Policies and Procedures

Puyallup Tribe of Indians Funeral Expense Assistance Program Application and Policies and Procedures Manual can be obtained at the above address. Please Note: Policies are subject to change during the course of the year.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm