Clare County raises veterans burial stipend to $1,200

The Clare County Board voted to raise the county burial stipend for veterans from $600 to $1,200, the board announced after a roll call vote during its regular meeting.

Board members said the increase responds to higher local funeral costs and aims to reduce the financial burden on families. A member noted that the statutory minimum for certain low-asset claimants is $300 but that no-frills funerals in the county can cost roughly $1,625. “The point of it is to provide some financial relief for someone who’s going through a grieving period,” one commissioner said during debate.

The motion to increase the stipend was introduced by an unidentified board member and seconded; the measure passed on roll call. During the discussion, commissioners noted the county typically appropriates about $10,000 annually for the burial fund and that about 10 burials per year have used the stipend, meaning the proposed increase would add approximately $2,000 to the county’s annual outlay if that average holds.

Supporters argued the bump would more closely align the stipend with actual costs and preserve dignity for veterans with limited assets. One commissioner said staff had reported no-frills burial costs of about $1,625, and another urged considering assistance while veterans are alive rather than only as a death benefit.

The board completed the roll call and recorded affirmative votes; the motion carried. The board did not specify an effective date beyond the vote, and staff were directed to review available resources and implementation steps.

The clerk’s office will reflect the change in the county’s stipend schedule and any related budget adjustments during preparation of the FY2027 budget.