We were recently informed that The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) announced financial assistance may be available to individuals who incurred COVID-19 related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. We have outlined eligibility and documentation criteria for the application process below.
FEMA will begin accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through their dedicated call center only. Please note, we are not able to apply on your behalf. The application must be submitted by the family member who incurred the funeral expense. Also note, FEMA will only award COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for a deceased individual on a single application. If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should register under a single application as applicant and co-applicant(s).
FEMA will not contact you to start this process. If you receive a phone call or email from someone purporting to be from FEMA to offer you benefits or someone saying that they can submit or expedite your application, it is likely a fraudulent scheme.
Applications will begin to be accepted on April 12, 2021 by calling the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line number: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Central Time.
We encourage you to use this time to gather documentation, including the following:
- 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 / funeral bill, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the date the funeral expenses were incurred.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA will not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
Eligible funeral expenses include but are not limited to:
- Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
- Transfer of remains
- Casket or urn
- Burial plot or cremation niche
- Marker or headstone
- Clergy or officiant services
- Arrangement of the funeral ceremony
- Use of funeral home equipment or staff
- Cremation or interment costs
- Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
- Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.
For more information on this program, please visit the following website: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance# or call the application line at the phone number listed above after it opens on April 12, 2021.