FEMA now has a funeral assistance program for COVID-19 Deaths

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has classified COVID-19 as a disaster.  This gives FEMA authority to provide assistance to families to help with expenses occurring from death related to COVID-19. This is possible under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan. FEMA will cover funeral or cremation expenses up to $9,000.

The process for accepting applications through FEMA’s dedicated call center begins on Monday, April 12th.  Applicants can either call the toll-free number at 844-684-6333 or through their website at FEMA’s funeral assistance.

To qualify for the COVID-19 funeral assistance, you must be a US citizen or national or qualified alien. If you have multiple people contributing to funeral expenses, everyone should apply under a single application. A person may apply for more than one deceased person. And finally, assistance is limited to $9,000 per funeral, and cannot go over $35,500 per application.

Keep in mind, documentation is necessary during this process which you will need an official death certificate, funeral expense documents, and proof of funds received from other sources. For all the details, and the program documentation can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov.