The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that it will start offering financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for individuals who died as a result of COVID-19. As part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, beginning in April 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
The agency will provide up to $9,000 per funeral and up to $35,500 per application to assist with COVID-19 deaths that took place on or after January 20, 2020. The agency noted that if more than one person contributed to a particular funeral, only one application should be submitted per funeral, but each application can request financial assistance for multiple COVID-19 related deaths.
To be eligible for assistance, the application must meet the following 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 a 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.
In order to apply, applicants should visit the following link on FEMA’s website – https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeralassistance . Applicants should have the death certificate, funeral bill, and proof of payment along with any other necessary information available at the time of application.
This program is likely to be determined on a first come, first served basis so if you or a loved one may be eligible, you should apply as soon as the application becomes available.
