Your family may be eligible for a special program from FEMA. Beginning April 12, 2021, families that experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral, memorial services, and burial or cremation. FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance covers eligible expenses for the services you’ve already paid for when your loved one died.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number 844-684-6333 ● TTY: 800-462-7585 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET
FEMA encourages families that may be eligible to start gathering 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 (e.g., 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.
· 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.
You and your family continue to be in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do to assist you with the application process – such as by ordering copies of a death certificate or providing copies of receipts or contracts showing the expenses you incurred, please give us a call. If you have questions regarding the process you can visit the FEMA site at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.
