The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will soon be offering reimbursement for funeral expenses related to an individual whose death is COVID-related.

The program is limited to funerals for those who died after January 20, 2020.  

Other requirements outlined in the policy include:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
• If more than one person made a financial contribution toward the funeral, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant.
• FEMA will also consider documentation from individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses.
• An individual may apply for reimbursement related to multiple deceased individuals.
• The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• The maximum financial amount available for reimbursement is $9,000 per funeral and $35,500 per application. 
• Funeral assistance is limited to assisting with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

Applicants should be prepared with the following documentation to accompany each application:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U.S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.
• Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs if applicable).  Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government programs or agencies, or other sources.

Details on applying for this program:

When: Applications may be submitted beginning Monday, April 12, 2021.
How: By calling 844-684-6333
Hours: The call center will operate Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST

For more information, or to read the complete rules and guidelines, click here.