FEMA TO ASSIST WITH COVID RELATED FUNERAL/CREMATION EXPENSES

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that it is providing assistance for funeral and cremation expenses to families whose loved one’s death may have been caused by, or was likely a result of Covid-19.

Some eligibility rules apply.

  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020 for the 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 maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and maximum of $35,500 per application.
  • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged 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 U.S.  The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “likely was the result of” Covid-19 or Covid-19 like symptoms.
  • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contracts, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the name of the deceased individual, the amount of the funeral expenses, and the 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.

More information regarding this may be found at covid-19 funeral assistance | FEMA.gov .

As always, you are welcome to call us with questions.