FEMA now accepting applications to reimburse funeral expenses for COVID-19 deaths

(NATIONAL) Have you paid for funeral services for someone who lost their life to COVID-19? Starting Monday, the federal government is stepping in to cover the cost. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance is made possible under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. According to the FEMA website, assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application per state, territory, or the District of Columbia. The expenses must have incurred after January 20, 2020. Covered expenses include 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 and additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances. Applicants who call 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) toll-free can get an application completed with help from FEMA's representatives. We’re told the hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. FEMA also said they have received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance, and that they have not sent any such notifications nor do they contact people before they register for assistance. You can find the Funeral Assistance FAQ here: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq

For more information visit: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance