FEMA opens application for COVID-19 funeral relief
When the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would reimburse eligible families who lost loved ones to COVID-19, staff at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, Mississippi, picked up the phone.
For each family that had used their services to honor a coronavirus-related death, they called to say they had documentation ready when the family needed it.
"We have had a lot of Covid-related deaths," said Shay Chedotal, Natchez Trace Funeral Home president. "As far as people that have passed 100% due to COVID? Very few, probably three or four."
This month, FEMA will begin disbursing the $2 billion — $9,000 per funeral, up from an initial max of $7,000 — in funeral reimbursement. Information was not immediately available as to why FEMA increased the aid amount.
On Monday, FEMA released the application phone line and provided additional information for those seeking aid.
The money would also cover cremation without other services, Chedotal said. She added many of her families chose that option. If the family incurred cemetery or memorial-related costs, FEMA'S funeral assistance would not fully cover those, she said.
"Every family is different," Chedotal said. "Some were fine and others were very relieved to get some money returned."
Who can apply?
• The death must have happened in the United States.
• The death certificate must show the death was related to COVID-19.
• The applicant must have funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, and be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or have connections to one of the American territories.
How to apply?
Online applications will not be accepted.
To apply, people need to call FEMA'S COVID-19 funeral assistance line at 844684-6333. Teletype — for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired — is available at 800-462-7585. Multilingual service are also available.
The call will take around 20 minutes, according to FEMA'S website. After applying over the phone, applicants can upload necessary documents to Disasterassistance.gov, or mail or fax the paperwork.
Can a person apply for COVID-19 funeral aid for more than one death?
Yes. Assistance covers up to $9,000 per funeral and a $35,500 maximum per application per state, territory or the District of Columbia.
What registration information is needed?
• Social Security number and birth date for the applicant and the deceased person
• Applicant's current mailing address and phone number
• Location where the deceased person died
• Burial or funeral insurance policy information
• Details about other monetary funeral assistance received, including CARES Act grants
• A routing and account number of the applicant's checking or savings account, if they request the aid be directly deposited
What documentation is needed?
• Provide a death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows it occurred in the United States
• Funeral expenses documents with the applicant's name, the deceased person's name, the funeral expense amount and funeral expense dates
• Proof of funds received from other sources used for funeral costs
What is the deadline to apply for aid?
FEMA has not set a deadline yet.
Two people paid for funeral expenses. Can they both apply for COVID-19 aid?
Both people must register with FEMA under the same application as co-applicant. No more than one co-applicant can be included. If they file two separate applications, the application with proper documentation that was received first will be given the aid.
How do I appeal FEMA’S decision?
A person has 60 days from the date of FEMA'S decision letter to upload, fax or mail a signed letter to appeal.
The appeal should include the following:
• Why the decision is not correct
• Supporting documentation
• The application number must be on each page of the appeal
Appeal documents can be submitted in the following ways:
• Upload through Disasterassistance.gov
• Fax to 855-261-3452 h Mail to P.O. BOX 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782
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