FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is reimbursing families up to $9,000 for funerals of persons whose deaths were caused by COVID, so long as those expenses were not prepaid.
Applications are initiated by phone, and more information can be found here.
Expenses covered include the following:
- 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
Funeral homes cannot apply; the applicant must be an individual, not a business or other entity, who incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses.
Any source of payment designated specifically to pay for a funeral prior to death is considered a duplication and is not eligible for reimbursement. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance may not duplicate burial or funeral insurance proceeds, pre-planned or pre-paid funeral contracts, pre-paid trusts for funeral expenses, irrevocable trusts for Medicaid, financial assistance from voluntary organizations, government programs or agencies, or any other sources specifically designated for funeral expenses. Eligible COVID-19 Funeral Assistance expenses will be reduced by the amount of other assistance you received for the same expenses.
To be eligible for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for the death of your loved one, you must provide documentation showing you incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses on or after January 20, 2020.
Reference: FEMA wants to give families up to $9,000 for COVID funerals, but many don’t apply, Associated Press
