Based on information from the Department of Human Services, the average burial cost in Pennsylvania is upwards of $20,000. However, the Commonwealth’s worker compensation burial benefit after a work death is only $7,000.  Although fatal works accidents are declining, with seventy-five (75) deaths in 2024, costs continue to rise, and $7,000 remains simply insufficient for families to bury a loved one who suffers a fatal work injury.   
 
In many cases, burial is the only benefit provided to workers, as no other benefits are provided to deceased employees without dependents. There are no other benefits, for example, for a divorced father or mother with non-dependent children or a newly employed young man or woman who does not have kids and is not caring for a relative.  Imagine receiving only $7,000 for a burial after the untimely loss of a father, mother, sister, brother or family member.
 
The law should protect families during these difficult times. These survivors should not carry this financial burden and should be able to bury their loved one with dignity. 
 
For this reason, we will be introducing legislation that will increase the burial benefit to $20,000. The benefit will then be adjusted yearly for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will ensure that grieving families will not be burdened with the expenses of burying a loved one.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to provide dignified burials for workers and their families who have gone through tragedy.