FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses

FEMA announced there is financial assistance for those who have been burdened with COVID-19 related funeral expenses.

If you or a loved one suffered the financial burden of a COVID-19 related funeral expense after January 20, 2020, there may be some financial relief under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Anyone needing to request assistance may do so by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Those needing the aid can complete the application via the phone number with help from a FEMA representative. Multilingual services are available to complete the process.

According to the FEMA website, those who are eligible 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 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.

Documentation may also need to be provided. Types of documentation include:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• 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 expenses happened.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

FEMA wants the public to be made aware of certain fraud cases circulating where scammers are calling, claiming to offer assistance. FEMA will not contact anyone before they register for assistance.