Apply to FEMA for COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for funeral assistance and reimbursement through its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The Helpline is 844-684-6333 and is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

Examples of eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:

  • 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

  • Cremation or interment costs

  • Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates.

  • Additional expenses mandated by and applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.

The information you will be required to provide to FEMA to apply for this assistance includes:

  • Your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers.

  • Name, Social Security Number and date of birth for each deceased individual.

  • Location or address where the individual died.

  • Copy of death certificate that indicates the death was caused by, “may have been caused by,” or “was likely a result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.

    • If the death certificate was issued between January 20 and May, 2020 and does not list COVID-19 as a cause of death, you may submit the death certificate with a signed statement from the original certifier of the death that attributes the death to COVID-19..

  • Documentation and receipts for funeral assistance received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, other government programs or non-profit organizations.

After you contact FEMA and apply, you can then submit documents either:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • Via fax at 855-261-3452

  • By mail at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, P.O. Box 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

Visit FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq for additional information.

You cannot apply online. The call will take about 20 minutes.

If you are approved for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, you will receive funds by direct deposit or a check by mail, depending on which option you chose when you applied for assistance.