Current law provides a $7,000 burial benefit under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system in the event of a fatal workplace injury. That amount has not kept pace with reality. Today, the average cost of funeral and burial services in Pennsylvania exceeds $20,000, leaving a substantial gap that families are forced to absorb during a time of grief.

In some instances, the burial benefit is the only compensation available, particularly where the deceased worker has no dependents. This can leave families with little support at the very moment they are navigating an unexpected loss.

Our legislation is intended to modernize the burial benefit to better reflect current costs and provide a more reasonable level of support. Specifically, the bill will increase the burial benefit to $20,000. This is a straightforward, compassionate update that aligns the law with present-day costs and recognizes the realities faced by Pennsylvania families after a workplace tragedy.

We invite you to join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.