NC H455

Combines the second and third classes of claims against a decedent's estate into a single second class claim covering funeral expenses, gravestone costs, and burial place costs.

Increases the combined allowable amount for funeral expenses, gravestone costs, and burial place costs from $5,000 ($3,500 funeral + $1,500 gravestone/burial) to $5,000 total.

Clarifies that the $5,000 preferential limitation applies only to order of payment priority and does not limit actual reasonable expenses that may be incurred.

Maintains that federal benefits (Veterans Administration, Social Security, etc.) cannot reduce the preferential payment amount of $5,000.

Becomes effective October 1, 2017, and applies to estates of decedents dying on or after that date.