There’s no doubt the pandemic has brought enormous grief to many families throughout the area. Fortunately, FEMA is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and difficulties caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April. If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather all relatable documentation. To be eligible for the assistance there are certain conditions which must be met:

• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19 and occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• 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.
• Funeral expense 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. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

To apply, visit the FEMA website beginning in April. Once your application has been reviewed and it is determined that you are eligible to receive funeral assistance funds you will receive a check by mail or by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you applied for assistance.

Below, are some helpful links with additional information.

FEMA POLICY: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Individuals and Households Program Policy

Funeral Assistance FAQ’s