Rhode Island · 5 counties
When someone dies in Rhode Island
Two things matter first: getting certified death certificates, and, if money is short, reaching the burial assistance program in the county where the death happened. Pick your county below for exact contacts.
The paperwork
Death certificates in Rhode Island
Certified copies come from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Vital Records, or the city or town hall where the death occurred (official site).
Going in person saves money and a lot of time. In person the first copy is $22 and each additional copy the same day is $18, while by mail the first copy is $25. Standard mail requests take 4 to 6 WEEKS, but rush requests are processed in 5 to 7 business days. Deaths before 2022 can be obtained from the city or town hall where the death occurred. The Center for Vital Records is in Simpson Hall on the Pastore Campus, 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, and accepts cash, cards, and mobile payments in person, while mail payments must be a check or money order to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island.
Planning ahead
Nobody has died yet? Set up a power of attorney
If someone you love is aging or ill, the cheapest protection your family can get is a power of attorney, and it must happen while they can still sign. We cover Rhode Island's exact rules and official forms.
Rhode Island power of attorney rulesIf money is tight
Statewide burial assistance
<cite index="1-1">Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) offers burial assistance through General Public Assistance (GPA) in accordance with RIGL § 40-6-3.10 and 218-RICR-20-00-3.</cite> <cite index="10-5">This program pays for the funeral and burial expenses when a person's resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates.</cite> Families should apply with DHS before arranging services with a funeral home, since <cite index="1-5">an application for burial assistance must be filed by the family and/or friends of the decedent making burial arrangements with DHS prior to when services are offered</cite>, and <cite index="1-7">if the application is subsequently denied, DHS will not provide payment for burial expenses incurred.</cite>
Pick your county