19-17-503. Funeral expenses. (1) A person claiming the funeral expenses under this section shall submit a claim form, the death certificate, and either a copy of the bill from the funeral director or a receipt for payment of the funeral expenses. The claim must be submitted on a form provided by the board, in accordance with the board's rules, and must be verified by the claimant. The claim must be filed with the board within 12 months from the member's date of death.

(2) The claim must contain:

(a) the name, social security number, and address of the member; and

(b) an affidavit from the chief or designated official of the fire company stating that the member was, at the time of death, a member of the fire company and that the death occurred in the line of duty as described in 19-17-105.

(3) When a claim under this section is received and approved by the board, payment of reasonable expenses or $1,500, whichever is less, to help defray the funeral expense of the member whose death occurred in the line of duty, as described in 19-17-105, must be made directly to the appropriate provider of the funeral services or, if a receipt is provided for the full payment of funeral expenses, to the claimant.