FEMA accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program | May 18, 2021

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, which all allows for funeral assistance for any COVID-19 related death after January 20, 2020. The program will assist with expenses up to $9,000 per funeral, up to a maximum of $35,000 if applicants are applying for assistance related to more than one death. At this time, there is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.

FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources. This is a program will be completely managed at the Federal level by FEMA, however the required documentation of a death certificate may involve government and other key stakeholders as the state and local level.

To be eligible for FEMA’s funeral assistance benefit, 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.
• The program is open to all who qualify, regardless of their income.

FEMA’s call center can be reached Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, toll free at 1-844-684-6333, and through TTY at 1-800-462-7585. The call center can take calls in multiple languages. There is currently no deadline to apply for this benefit. Please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-funeral-assistance to learn more about the program.

The above information was submitted to us by Mayor Thomas McGee’s office.