FEMA is now accepting applications for reimbursement for funeral expenses related to COVID-19. FEMA says it will cover up to $9000 per funeral.
This money is only available to COVID-19 funeral expenses incurring after January 20, 2020.
“At FEMA, our mission is to help people, before, during and after disasters,” said acting FMEA 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.”
FEMA says this assistance is under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations of Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law under the Biden Administration.
At this time no online applications will be accepted. The only way to apply is by calling a dedication toll-free line that has been set up for application.
The phone number to call and apply is 844-684-6333. The TTY number is 800-462-7585.
FEMA say upon calling in, the application process will take up to 20 minutes. Applicants are urged to gather all the necessary information and documentation before calling to avoid any delays.
FEMA has not yet announced a deadline to apply for COVID-19 funeral assistance.
To be eligible to receive reimbursement from FEMA, the death must have occurred in the United States, which includes the U. S. territories and the District of Columbia.
The death certificate must contain the death attributed to COVID-19.
The applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, however there is no requirement of the deceased person being a U.S. Citizen.
An applicant may apply for multiple deaths – and if multiple loved ones helped pay for a funeral, they must register with FEMA under the same application as the applicant and co-applicant.
You must have an official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
Applicants have to show funeral expense documents, as well as any receipts or funeral home contracts. These documents should include the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and the dates that the funeral expenses occurred.
Proof of funds from other sources, specifically for use toward funeral costs also must be provided.
