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If Your loved one is taken to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office
Suppose you need to make cremation arrangements for a family member who is currently in the care of the Medical Examiner. In that case, you must first select a cremation provider and sign a release form.
This gives your chosen funeral director the authority to collect your relative from the Maricopa County morgue when the ME releases the body. The Coroner will liaise with the next of kin and advise when the deceased is expected to be released into the care of a funeral home for cremation.
Maricopa County Medical Examiner Office is at 701 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007, and can be reached at (602) 506-3322.
The Medical Examiner also issues the cremation permit, which means making cremation arrangements for a deceased person at the ME’s office can be expedited. The DFS Memorials provider serving Phoenix is familiar with arranging the release and transfer of a death case into his care in order to conduct an affordable cremation service.
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Next Steps – If Your Loved One has Passed at a Medical Facility in Phoenix
The majority of deaths happen in a medical or nursing facility. Be it a hospital, nursing home, or hospice. If your relative has passed away at a medical institution in Phoenix, DFS Memorials can help you connect with a local affordable cremation provider who can make immediate arrangements to collect your loved one and transfer him or her into their care.
The next step is to inform the hospital that you consent to the release of your relative and that a collection and transfer is scheduled.
Here is a list of hospitals in Phoenix, AZ. This might not cover every facility, especially smaller or specialized centers, but immediate collection can be arranged from these hospitals if you need an affordable cremation in Phoenix.
Hospital
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Address
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Mayo Clinic Hospital
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5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054
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Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
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1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006
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St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
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350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013
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Phoenix Children’s Hospital
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1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
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HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center
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19829 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027
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HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center
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250 E. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85020
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Valleywise Health Medical Center
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2601 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ
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Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital
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1930 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
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Phoenix Indian Medical Center
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4212 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85016
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OASIS Hospital
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750 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008
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Organizations that may help with funeral & cremation costs in Phoenix, AZ
Families in Phoenix, AZ, seeking help with funeral costs have several options to explore based on their circumstances. Here are some key resources:
Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program: 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Phone (602) 506-3011.
Maricopa County Indigent Decedent Services Program (CIDS): For families unable to cover costs and where the deceased’s estate has minimal assets (less than $700), Maricopa County’s CIDS may assist with cremation or burial. This is typically for indigent individuals, and next of kin must be referred by a contracted funeral home and provide financial documentation to prove need. Call (602) 372-0535 for details.
Federal and Veterans Benefits:
Social Security Death Benefit: If the deceased paid into Social Security, a one-time payment of $255 is available to eligible surviving spouses or dependent children. Contact the Social Security Administration to apply.
Veterans Benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers burial benefits for eligible veterans, including a burial allowance (up to $948 for non-service-connected deaths in 2025, adjusted annually), plot allowance, and sometimes reimbursement for funeral costs. Contact the VA Phoenix Regional Benefits Office at 3333 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012.
For immediate guidance, families can contact local resources. Eligibility and availability vary, so act quickly and gather required documentation like death certificates, income proof, or veteran status. Each option has its nuances—county programs focus on financial hardship, while federal benefits hinge on specific qualifications—so families should assess which best aligns with their situation.