The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced they are providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Funds are available for any U.S. citizen who has incurred funeral expenses due to a person dying within the United States, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia.
Requirements include:
- The death must have occurred within the United States, U.S. territories, or 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 individual to have been a U.S. Citizen. It is recommended you keep records of the official death certificate and receipts of funeral expenses.
To apply for the financial assistance, you should call FEMA at 844-684-6333 and they will request additional information. FEMA is receiving high call volumes, so you may have to call later if you are unable to connect with them. You may need the following information available during your initial call:
- SSN for the applicant and the deceased individual;
- Date of birth for the applicant and the deceased individual;
- Mailing address and phone number of the applicant;
- Address where the deceased individual passed away;
- Information regarding burial or funeral insurance policies or other funeral assistance received to cover funeral costs.
Some of the costs you may be able to recover include some transportation costs, transfer of remains, casket or urn, burial plot, headstone, clergy or officiant services, funeral ceremony, cremation or interment cost, or additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.