FEMA to provide funeral assistance

So far, more than 500,000

Americans have died from COVID-19, including nearly 25,000 in Pennsylvania.

But for surviving family members who may be struggling with the costs of funerals, help will be available soon.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced it will provide financial assistance for COVID19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20 of last year, through coronavirus relief legislation.

The amount of assistance available was not disclosed.

Officials expect to begin to implement the program in April, when they also plan to start accepting applications, according to the agency’s website.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families,” according to the site. “At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.”

Officials seem to be still working on the program, as the webpage notes that a dedicated toll-free phone number to apply for the program is still in the works, and additional guidance still needs to be released.

However, the agency encouraged those who have had COVID-19 funeral expenses to keep and gather documentation.

To be eligible for the assistance, the death must have occurred in the U.S. and the death certificate must indicate it was attributed to COVID-19, among other conditions.

Those eligible for funeral assistance will receive a check by mail or funds by direct deposit, according to the agency.

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