Funds Provided To Pay For COVID-19 Funeral Costs

There is a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for relatives that have died from COVID-19.

As of Dec 6, a little over 220,000 people have taken part in the $1.5 billion that FEMA has provided for deaths after Jan 20, 2020. This shows that there are many people who haven’t utilized this benefit.

In order for families to receive reimbursement, a relative’s death certificate must be dated after May 16, 2020. It must also show the death was COVID-19 related.

If a person died between Jan 20 to May 16, 2020, a signed statement from a medical examiner or coroner is needed. It must be attached with the death certificate.

Some funeral home directors are taking on the responsibility of letting families know about these options. Additionally, they may help relatives collect paperwork, get in touch with FEMA, and help walk them through the steps.

21,000 reimbursements have occurred in California and Texas, paying out $141 million in each state. The money covers cremations and interment, caskets, urns, and burial plots. It will also pay for markers or headstones, transportation, clergy services, and funeral home equipment and staff.

Lastly, an application must be submitted to FEMA, and no online applications are permitted.