COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program
FEMA will be providing financial assistance of up to $9,000 to cover funeral expenses for each COVID-19 related funeral that occurred after January 20, 2020.
Who: To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: the death must have occurred in the United States, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19, and the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a 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.
When: Beginning Monday, April 12
How: Call 844-684-6333 Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM. There is no online application.
Documentation Needed to Apply:
- 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.
- Funeral expense documents that include the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA will not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
Further Details: An applicant may receive Funeral Assistance for funeral costs up to $9,000 for each COVID-19 related funeral for which they are responsible. This assistance may be provided for multiple deceased persons under one registration up to a maximum of $35,500 (Unemployment LWA funds of up to $1,800 will be subtracted from that maximum). If you are eligible for funeral assistance, you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
Click here to view a video with more useful information.
For more information, please contact the JFS Resource Center at 973-777-7638 x614 or send us a message:
