For reprint by the GWAAR Legal Services Team
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses. If you paid for funeral services and burial or cremation for someone whose death was caused by or likely a result of COVID-19, you can apply by calling the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line at 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central time. Interpreters will be available. No online or mailed applications will be accepted.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, the following criteria must be met:
- The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
- The death certificate must say that the death was caused by or likely a result of COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms; and
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- The deceased person is not required to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
When you apply, you will need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth. In addition, you will be asked for your current mailing address and telephone number, and if you choose to receive funds by direct deposit, the routing and account number of your checking or savings account. You will also need to provide:
- An official death certificate that states that the death was directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Documentation of funeral expenses, including receipts, the funeral home contract, etc., that include the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened; and
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs, including burial or funeral insurance, pre-planned and pre-paid funerals, or financial assistance from other sources.
FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from other sources.
If the death certificate does not list COVID-19 as a cause of death, you should contact the person who certified the death. This may be a treating doctor or a coroner or medical examiner. Their name and address will be on the death certificate.
Currently, there is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 funeral assistance. FEMA has reported that the agency is experiencing high call volumes, so if your call is not able to connect, please try calling again later.
If you are found eligible for funeral assistance, you will receive either a check by mail or funds by direct deposit. You can choose either option when you apply for assistance. If FEMA determines that you are not eligible for funeral assistance, you will have 60 days to appeal.
Be aware that FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. Please note that FEMA will not contact people before they apply for assistance.
