FEMA Funeral Assistance Program Resources
WilbertEDU Session FEMA Funeral Assistance Program recorded April 20, 2021
Who is eligible for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance?
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The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, for a death attributed to COVID-19.
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Multiple Contributors or Cases
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If more than one individual contributed toward funeral expenses, they must register with FEMA under the same application as the applicant and co-applicant, or the first applicant that submits all required documentation will be awarded COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for the deceased individual. No more than one co-applicant can be included on an application.
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An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
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Assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,000 per application.
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Multiple contracts may be used for one person as long as they add up to the $9,000 limit.
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The COVID-19 related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. Territories and the District of Columbia.
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Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
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FEMA Funeral Reimbursement can take place for deaths beginning January 20, 2020 through September 2025.
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The claims process must begin with the phone call to the FEMA Hotline.
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Monies will be paid to the family, not the funeral home. Only families may submit an application for reimbursement.
What do families need for COVID-19 Relief?
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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.
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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.
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Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA WILL NOT accept duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance or pre-need contract fulfillment, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
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Life insurance proceeds are not considered a duplication of Funeral Assistance benefits.
Covered Funeral Expenses
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:
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Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
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Transfer of remains
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Arrangement of the funeral ceremony
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Use of funeral home equipment or staff
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Clergy or officiant services
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Cremation or interment costs
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Casket or urn
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Burial plot or cremation niche
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Marker or headstone
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Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
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Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number
Applications begin on April 12, 2021
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time
FEMA: Providing Financial Assistance for COVID-19-Related Funeral Expenses