FEMA to help pay funeral costs for COVID-related deaths

0

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to COVID-19 to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.

The policy was finalized Wednesday, and FEMA is now moving to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after the Jan. 20, 2020 date for a death attributed to COVID-19.

This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral, and a maximum of $35,500 per application (in the event of multiple deaths).

Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

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.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation: 1) An official death certificate; 2) funeral expense documents; and 3) proof of funds received from other sources. Fuller information on each is below.

• 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 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 or state or local or tribal or territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

If you have questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs: 1) Congressional Affairs at 202-646-4500 or at [email protected] ; or 2) Intergovernmental Affairs at 202-646-3444 or at [email protected] .

Submitted by EMA

No posts to display