Written by Tana Fye
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief and loss for families across the United States. Many families have had to bear the burden of the cost of funerals for loved ones who have passed away due to COVID-19. I’ve been personally affected with the deaths of several family members from COVID. In response to the financial costs to so many Americans, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched a new program to provide financial assistance to those who have incurred funeral expenses due to COVID.
The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program was created as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The program provides up to $9,000 in financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020, for deaths related to COVID-19.
To apply for FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, for a person whose death was attributed to COVID-19. The deceased person must have died in the United States, including U.S. territories and possessions, or outside of the United States if they were a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national. Additionally, the applicant must provide documentation of funeral expenses and a death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19. The end of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and National Emergency declaration does not affect the eligibility period for applicants.
The documentation required to apply for the program includes:
- Funeral expense documents, such as receipts, funeral home contracts, and invoices.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.
- The death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and possessions, or outside of the United States if the deceased was a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.
The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program is not based on income, and there is no requirement for the applicant to be related to the deceased person. However, only one application per deceased person will be accepted, and the assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted. More information about the program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program is an important resource for families who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. It can help relieve some of the burden of funeral expenses during an already difficult time. If you are eligible for the program, it is worth taking the time to apply. Remember to gather all the necessary documentation before applying though.
We have experience applying for this program and can help you with your application. Give us a call to set up a consultation if this is something that you would like assistance with.