Have you or someone you know lost someone to coronavirus? 

Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency started offering assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses. There are rules and restrictions, however, so here are some quick facts about what you need to know to claim potential financial assistance from FEMA.

Am I Eligible For Assistance? 

If you paid funeral expenses for someone whose death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19, you could be eligible for up to $9,000 in financial relief.

Unfortunately, you are not eligible if funeral expenses were covered by pre-funding. FEMA’s funeral assistance does not cover funeral expenses paid through pre-funded funeral contracts, irrevocable trusts for Medicare, funeral insurance, or pre-paid trusts. 

Obviously, at Planning Daisies, we are huge advocates of pre-planning your funeral for peace of mind. Part of that peace of mind can come from pre-funding a funeral so your loved ones don’t have to. So we wish federal funds were available to those who decided early on to fund their own memorials. 

Nevertheless, we commend the government for stepping in to say funerals are necessary to the emotional and relational needs of its citizens grieving due to COVID-19. 

How Do I Apply?

To apply, call FEMA’s dedicated Funeral Assistance Line 9 a.m to 9 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday: 844-684-6333 or TTY at 800-462-7585. You cannot apply online.

Things To Be Aware Of

Your funeral home will not arrange FEMA’s funeral assistance for you. They simply can’t. Funeral homes are not eligible to apply on behalf of a family or to be a co-applicant on the Funeral Assistance application. The person applying must be an individual, not a business, who incurred the funeral expenses.

Beware of scams. FEMA will not contact you for personal information to register. If you have not contacted FEMA, be skeptical of anyone contacting you saying they are FEMA, or they are calling on behalf of FEMA.

Questions?

If you have questions about FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program, visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq for more information.