Heaven Instead will pay expenses for the burial or cremation of a fetal demise for those who meet the following criteria:
Heaven Instead relies on donations to support families in need. We can not guarantee all expenses will be covered, and reserve funds for families experiencing financial hardship.
- Delivery of stillborn or infant with no signs of life.
- Delivery must occur >20 weeks' gestation and/or >350 grams in weight at the time of delivery.
- Fetal death occurring after delivery but within the hospital stay. Death may be due to premature delivery of non-viable infant, known congenital abnormality preventing extra-uterine life, or obstetric emergency during labor or delivery of infant resulting in death.
- Heaven Instead is currently only providing assistance in Houston and surrounding cities. We are unable to provide assistance in Austin/Dallas/San Antonio areas at this time due to limited funding.
- Must have a valid Texas ID
- Must be able to provide proof of financial hardship
Heaven Instead relies on donations to support families in need. We can not guarantee all expenses will be covered, and reserve funds for families experiencing financial hardship.
- Heaven Instead's contribution is based on a pre-established protocol, however, assistance amount depends on funds available at the time the request is made. The maximum amount of assistance received is $500 per family.
- Heaven Instead cannot guarantee full payment for all services selected. Family may be responsible for payment of additional expenses. Any additional services should be arranged directly with the funeral home selected. Heaven Instead is not responsible for payment of additional services beyond cremation/burial costs. Heaven Instead will make the final payment to the funeral home listed on the application. The final contract with the funeral home should be sent to [email protected] before payment is made.
- Guidance is offered to family during their hospital stay in regard to choosing a funeral home, documentation required, selection of funeral services, and communication with funeral home.
- All documentation should be completed and signed by immediate family only.
- Funds will be paid directly to the funeral home selected by the family.
- By submitting an application to Heaven Instead, you are allowing us to communicate to hospital and funeral home staff regarding your case.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please proceed to the "For Families" section of the website for further assistance and instructions on applying for help.
