FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Now Available, Apply Today

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for funeral assistance and reimbursement through its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline. 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.

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

Assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application per state.  

Apply for Assistance:

To begin the application process, individuals can call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585. The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST.

Find a checklist of documentation needed prior to your call by clicking here.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet the following conditions:

  1. The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  2. The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  3. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
  4. There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

A minor child cannot apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance on behalf of an adult who is not a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

Gather Documentation:

Once an applicant has applied for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance and is provided an application number, they may provide supporting documentation to FEMA a few ways:

  • Upload to their DisasterAssistance.gov account
  • Fax documents: 855-261-3452
  • Mail documents: P.O. BOX 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782

If you are eligible for funeral assistance, you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.

Deadline:

At this time, there is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. FEMA will communicate a specific deadline once established.

Learn more about the reimbursement process or FAQs by visiting FEMA’s website.

Applicants can also access a video overview of the process here.