JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will begin accepting applications on Monday for financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.
As of Sunday, there had been more than 562,000 deaths related to the coronavirus in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University.
“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.”
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these 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 Jan. 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
How to apply
Applications begin on April 12, 2021.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 a.m. Monday-Friday.
If you paid for COVID-19 funeral expenses, FEMA encourages you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should 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 include 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.
How funds are received
If you are eligible for funeral assistance, you will receive a check by mail or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
For more information about this assistance, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance at FEMA.gov.