FEMA opens applications for funeral expense reimbursements

Families can now apply for COVID-19-related funeral expense relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with a toll-free telephone number to connect those in need with financial support.

FEMA is set to pay up to $9,000 in expenses for individual funerals, while those who lost multiple family members are able to apply for up to $35,000.

Eligibility requirements for funeral assistance include:

▪ The death must have occurred in the U.S., including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. ▪ The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

▪ The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified non-citizen who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.

▪ There are no residential or legal status requirements pertaining to the deceased person.

Needed documentation to apply include an official death certificate that documents the death was due to COVID-19 and receipts of funeral expenses paid by the applicant. If multiple people helped pay for funeral expenses for one individual, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicants.

Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies or other sources.

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For more information, visit FEMA.gov.