Have you lost a loved one to COVID-19?
The government wants to help cover funeral costs
More than 10,000 Virginians have died from COVID-19, according to state data.
Now, many of their families may be able to get money to help pay for funeral expenses.
Using funds from a coronavirus relief act passed by Congress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to provide funeral assistance for people dealing with their loved ones’ passing.
The nationwide program was finalized recently and will begin in April.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people,” the agency’s acting administrator, Bob Fenton, said in a news release. “Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate.”
People must apply to receive money through the program, which will give up to $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. The money is intended to help reimburse expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
To be eligible, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or legal permanent resident, though there is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a citizen. The death must have occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, in the U.S., including its territories, and have COVID-19 listed on the death certificate. The certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of ” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of the illness are considered sufficient.
FEMA noted it has received reports of scammers reaching out to people to register them for funeral assistance. The agency has not sent out any such notifications, officials emphasized, and does not contact people before they register for help.
For more information when the program launches, go to www.fema.gov/disasters/ coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance. Officials also plan to set up a toll-free phone number for people to apply. In the meantime, FEMA encourages those who might be eligible to gather appropriate documentation, including funeral expense paperwork and death certificates.