FEMA Covid Funeral Assistance

FEMA Covid Funeral AssistanceThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin providing nationwide financial assistance for funeral expenses, in an amount up to $9,000 per funeral, for deaths related to the coronavirus to help ease some financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized on March 24, and will be available starting in April.

"At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters," said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate."

Eligibility requirements include:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, for a death attributed to COVID-19.
• If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
• An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
• The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
• Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

A dedicated toll-free number will be established to help individuals who apply. Potential applicants are encouraged to gather the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
• Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred. Expenses include, but are not limited to, items like transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual; transfer of remains; casket or urn; burial plot or cremation niche, and marker or headstone; and clergy or officiant services
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.
• Funeral Assistance Call Center 1-844-684-6333 FEMA will only accept applications via this toll-free number, which will operate from 8 a.m. to 8p.m. CST Monday through Friday. Only individuals who incurred the funeral or cemetery expenses are eligible to apply.

***Those eligible for funeral assistance will receive a check by mail or direct deposit.***

For more information, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov