N.D. Cent. Code § 65-05-27

If a compensation claimant dies, the organization, without probate proceedings, may pay to the spouse of such claimant, if living, or in the event of the claimant's spouse's death or incompetency, to any adult person who has assumed or paid the expenses of the last illness or funeral expense of the said claimant, the amount actually due claimant's estate, not to exceed the sum of one thousand dollars.