The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, their mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. They are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
- The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
How to Apply:
Applications begin on April 12, 2021. Call: 844-684-6333. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
Gather the following documentation:
- An official death certificate that lists the cause of death as COVID.
- Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.
Note- FEMA will NOT reimburse funeral costs that you have already found money to pay for. For Example, if you had a life insurance policy that covered part or all of the cost, or it you did a fundraiser to help pay for the funeral, you will not be reimbursed by FEMA for the money from the insurance or the fundraiser. This is a fund to help families who could not afford to pay for the funeral form any other means. It is not a program to give free reimbursement to those who had access to money from other sources.
How Funds are Received:
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, of funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
Fraud Alert:
We have received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and we do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.
https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/fa