FEMA Will Ease Pain Of COVID-related Funeral Expenses

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hoping to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.
 
Families that lost loved ones to COVID-19 can now get help with funeral expenses. The agency recently launched a hotline to apply for up to $9,000 in assistance per burial. The number to call is 844-684-6333.
 
Some $2 billion was allocated as part of the $900 billion relief deal Congress approved in December, while the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion package supported it by providing the agency with an additional $50 billion to use for coronavirus-related costs.
 
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, noncitizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.
 
Call the dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 funeral assistance application completed with help from FEMA’s representatives. Multilingual services are available. No online applications will be accepted.
 
It should take about 20 minutes to apply over the phone. Calls will not be rushed through because FEMA intends to make sure all applicants get their questions answered and receive the help they need to apply.

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