Washington, D.C. –  Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began processing applications for assistance funding of up to $9,000 for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. The funding is being provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. After FEMA began accepting applications, U.S. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement:   

“As chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I am pleased that FEMA has begun to accept applications for funeral assistance funding for deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in the pandemic, I worked hard to advocate for this assistance, but the funding was denied by the previous administration. As a result, Congress has passed legislation that provides much-needed assistance to ease the financial burden on families mourning the death of a loved one to the virus. Nothing can replace those we’ve lost, but this is an important step in helping families with the financial costs of funeral-related expenses.”

FEMA is processing applications by phone to ensure that all applicants are able to speak to a contact and have their questions answered. Those who are seeking assistance can apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. FEMA’s call center has already received a high number of applications, and FEMA requests that applicants exercise patience through the process and have the required documents and information ready before calling. There is no deadline to apply. 

To be eligible for funeral assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• The death must have occurred in the United States. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified undocumented individual who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified undocumented individual.

For fastest service after calling, applicants are encouraged to submit documentation online through Disasterassistance.gov, or by fax to 855-261-3452. Documents may also be mailed to: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782.

Applicants can also visit FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq, where information is provided in several languages.

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