You might be able to get help paying for the funeral if your loved one died of COVID

If you have to pay for a funeral and your loved one died of COVID, you might be able to get some financial help.

FEMA is offering up to $9,000 per funeral for expenses. There are qualifying factors and the death must have been attributed to COVID-19.

Read: US funeral assistance for COVID tops $2B, more eligible

Am I eligible?

FEMA might be able to provide assistance if you meet the following qualifications:

• you are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
• the death occurred in the United States, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia;
• the death was attributed to COVID-19; and
• you are responsible for the eligible funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020

What is covered?

FEMA might approve funeral assistance expenses for the following:

• funeral services
• cremation
• interment
• costs associated with producing death certificates
• costs due to local or state government laws or ordinances
• transportation for up to two people to identify the person who died
• transfer of remains
• casket or urn
• burial plot
• marker or headstone
• clergy
• funeral ceremony
• funeral home equipment or staff

What do I need?

You’ll need to provide FEMA a copy of an official death certificate that shows where the death occurred, that it occurred after Jan. 20, 2020 and was atributed to COVID-19.

You must provide FEMA with a signed funeral home contract, invoice, receipts, or other documentation that includes:

• your name, showing you are responsible for some or all of the expense
• the name of the person who died
• itemized expenses
• proof that the expenses were incurred on or after January 20, 2020

How do I apply?

To apply, call 844-684-6333 toll-free between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. FEMA representatives will take your application. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance applications must be completed with a FEMA representative; you cannot apply online.

It will take about 20 minutes to apply, and you must provide:

• Your Social Security number and date of birth
• The Social Security number and date of birth of the person who died
• Your current mailing address and telephone number
• The address where the individual died
• If the person who died had burial or funeral insurance policies
• If you received other funeral assistance (such as donations, CARES Act grants, state/territory assistance, or assistance from voluntary organizations)
• If you want eligible funds delivered by direct deposit, the routing and account number of your checking or savings account.

Click here or call 844-684-6333 to learn more. The number is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m.