WASHINGTON
-- In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral
expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus
(COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the
pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to
implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.
"At
FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters,"
said Acting FEMA 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."
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
§ The
applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who
incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a 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 a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a
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, potential applicants 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
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 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.
For
more information about this assistance, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance |
FEMA.gov.
Related Links
Funeral Assistance FAQ
