This may be helpful for first responder and military families (as well as general public families) who lost loved ones during this health outbreak.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations
Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide
financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses (up to $9,000 per funeral) incurred
after January 20, 2020.
FEMA is accepting applications for Funeral Assistance starting Monday, April 12, 2021 through their dedicated call center.
Assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral.
Applicants may receive assistance for funeral expenses of multiple deceased individuals up to a
maximum of $35,500 per application per state, territory, or the District
of Columbia.
FRAUD ALERT: FEMA has already received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and they do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance. Learn More
Who is Eligible for funeral assistance?
To be eligible, you must meet these conditions:
- The death must have occurred in the United States, 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 qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, FEMA encourages you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
What funeral expenses are covered?
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance will assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation. Any receipts received for expenses that are not related to funeral services will not be determined eligible expenses. Expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation typically include, but are not limited to:
- Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
- Transfer of remains
- Casket or urn
- Burial plot or cremation niche
- Marker or headstone
- Clergy or officiant services
- Arrangement of the funeral ceremony
- Use of funeral home equipment or staff
- Cremation or interment costs
- Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
- Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances
How to Apply
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Applications (as of April 12, 2021)
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
How Funds are Received
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
Learn more about COVID-19 Funeral Assistance at FEMA.gov
