Financial relief for funeral expenses of persons who died from COVID-19 may be available to survivors. The assistance is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is for funeral expenses of up to $9,000 incurred on or after Jan. 20, 2020.
The assistance is available as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
According to the FEMA website, to be eligible, these conditions must be met:
- You are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses on or after Jan. 20, 2020, and
- The funeral expenses were for an individual whose death in the United States, including the U.S. territories or the District of Columbia, may have been caused by, or was likely the result of, COVID-19.
Expenses that qualify for reimbursement include:
- Funeral services
- Cremation
- Interment
- 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
- Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
- Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances
To apply for funeral assistance, persons may contact the FEMA COVID-19 Helpline at 844-684-6333. More info is available in this FAQ.