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b. May only be excluded under burial exclusion when $1,500 burial exclusion will reduce resources and establish eligibility (amount of excess resources is equal to or less than the amount of burial exclusion left after deducting all other burial assets). 2. If exclusion of amount remaining in burial exclusion is enough to reduce resources: a. Inform a/b of amount of funds or dividend accumulations which can be designated for burial. b. Obtain a/b’s verbal statement as to whether he intends to use the funds for burial expenses. This is a verbal designation. c. Inform the a/b that cash funds intended for burial expenses must not be commingled with other funds. Proof that the funds have been separated within time limits is required to establish eligibility. d. For an applicant, pend up to 45th or 90th day for documented proof that the funds are not commingled. The applicant’s statement is not sufficient. Refer to MA-2304, Processing the Application. e. For a beneficiary, proof must be provided prior to the effective date of termination. (1) Send a DHB-5097 informing the beneficiary of the amount of excess resources and that: (a) A signed or verbal statement that the funds will be designated and separated for burial expenses must be received within the 12 calendar days of the date on the DHB-5097, and (b) Proof that action has been taken to separate the funds must be provided within 30 calendar days of the date of the DHB-5097. (2) If the signed statement is not received within 12 calendar days or if proof of separating is not received within 30 days, send a timely notice and terminate the case. (3) Proof must show, at a minimum, that the necessary paperwork was submitted to the insurance company or funeral home, or funds held in a bank are designated and separated. EXAMPLE: Application on 6/5 for retro May and on-going. Single applicant has one life insurance policy with face value of $1,000 and a savings account with $2,500 which a/b states is intended and needed for burial expenses. 105