FEMA Funds For COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses

Apr 30, 2021

U nder the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.


On June 29, 2021, FEMA announced changes to the COVID-19 funeral assistance program related to cause of death listed. For deaths that occurred between January 20 and May 16, 2020, if the death certificate does not attribute the death to COVID-19, additional paperwork can be submitted to verify the cause. This change will eliminate the need to amend the death certificate. The policy change will allow applicants to submit a statement or letter from the death certificate’s certifying official, medical examiner, or coroner that attributes the death to COVID-19.

To Apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Funds Call

844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday

9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

  • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19*.
  • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or 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, noncitizen national, or qualified alien.

* If the death certificate was issued from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 it must either attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 or be accompanied by a signed statement from the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death. This signed statement must provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate to COVID-19.

If the death certificate was issued May 17, 2020 or later, the death certificate must attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19.

If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.

Can a Funeral Home Apply on Behalf of the Family?

Unfortunately, funeral homes are not allowed to apply on behalf of a family. The person applying must be an individual, not a business, who incurred the funeral expenses.

Although Parthemore Funeral Home cannot apply for funds on your behalf, we can provide you with any documents or information that you need in order to submit your application. We have compiled a helpful checklist of information and documents that you will need to complete your application.

What Funeral Expenses Are Covered?

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 eligible expenses. View the full list of covered expenses on the FEMA website.

How Much Is Available and How Are Funds Received?

The funeral assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. 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.

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