FEMA to Provide Assistance with Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

Beginning in April, families that experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral and memorial services, and burial, interment or cremation. FEMA encourages families that may be eligible to start gathering the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States.
• Funeral expense documents (e.g., 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. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance; financial assistance received from voluntary agencies; federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies; or other sources.

FEMA advises that there is no deadline for filing.  Applicants must call 844-684-6333 to start the application process.  The office is staffed Monday-Friday from 9 am to 9 pm. 

If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant(s). Applicants can also apply for assistance for more than one individual who died.

As always, the staff at Thompson Memorial Home stands ready to serve you and your family in these difficult times.