The effects of coronavirus continue to impact individuals across the United States and the world. FEMA is now providing financial compensation to those who lost loved ones to COVID-19. Money could never compensate for losing a loved one, but it can help ease your financial burden.
FEMA is offering up to $9,000 of aid per funeral to families who lost relatives because of COVID-19.
The funeral expenses must be for an individual that died, or was suspected of dying, from COVID-19.
You can expect the call to FEMA to take 20 minutes. They have been receiving high call volumes though, so you may have to wait on hold or try back later.
FEMA Eligibility Requirements:
- 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 January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
-FEMA
FEMA encourages you to keep the official death certificate, funeral expense documents, and proof of funds received from other sources.
They will provide reimbursement by check through the mail or by direct deposit based on your choice during the application process.
Covered Funeral Expenses Include:
FEMA is covering an extensive list of funeral costs.
- 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
How to Contact FEMA for Funeral Assistance
The Covid-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number is 844-684-6333.
FEMA is accepting calls Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
No online applications are being accepted.
FEMA will not contact you before you register for assistance with them. Be aware that scammers are attempting to capitalize on this service.
Follow-up
FEMA may call back from an unidentified number. Be sure to answer any calls from unknown callers.
2020 was a rough year for most of us. Funeral reimbursement won’t make up for most of it; it can however lessen the financial impact. If you are looking for ways to prepare for future hardships, you can check out our severe weather post here.
