FEMA - COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Description:

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 January 20, 2020. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.
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Expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation typically 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

Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Intake Process:

Please call (online applications are not available).

Program Fees:

None

Languages:

Many

Eligibility:

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 January 20, 2020.
-There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

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If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, you are encouraged 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 includes 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. FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

Is Shelter?

No

Related Resource

Date of Official Change:

September 8, 2023

Geographies Served

• Serves All Areas

Phone Numbers

Legal Status:

Federal