The province is increasing the amount it pays to have someone laid to rest who is on income support or has meagre means.
It has been almost 20 years since the Government of NL increased the amount it compensates a funeral home.
Children, Seniors and Social Development Minister Paul Pike says NL will now pay close to the highest rates in the country.
Pike says they spoke with about 45 such businesses, and were not surprised to hear that rates were too low.
There are currently 28 unclaimed bodies in storage at the morgue at the Health Sciences, but none of those are income support clients. He notes that that could change at any time.
The enhanced program includes up to $5,000 for a funeral and $1,500 for additional expenses, plus some other costs.
Over the last two years, government has paid for the burial of close to 700 people at a cost of $2.2-million.