FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program



Through the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), families that lost loved ones to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for financial assistance for funeral expenses paid in honoring their loved ones. Below is an informational list to help families navigate and understand the process of applying for the Funeral Assistance Program. However, we also encourage you to visit the FEMA website for the most extensive and up to date information.


FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Website


Who can apply?

An applicant is eligible to apply for reimbursement under the Funeral Assistance Program if they are a US Citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who financially contributed to the funeral of a person whose death was attributed to COVID-19 and passed away in the United States of America, the US territories, or the District of Columbia after January 20, 2020.


How can I apply?

Beginning April 12, 2021, applicants can apply by phone by calling the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line at 844-684-6333.  Operators are available from 9am until 9pm.


What will I need to apply?

Applicants will need to supply an official death certificate that lists COVID-19 as a factor or contributing factor in death** along with funeral expense documents (Statement of Funeral Goods and paid in full receipts) that include the name of the applicant, the name of the deceased, the amount of the funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.  Applicants will also need to supply a record of funds from other sources that were applied to the cost of the funeral, as these benefits cannot be duplicated for reimbursement.  In addition to that documentation, applicants will need to provide the following information when calling: social security number for the applicant, social security number of the deceased individual, date of birth of the applicant, date of birth of the deceased individual, current mailing address for the applicant, current telephone number for the applicant, location or address where the deceased individual passed away, date the funeral expenses were incurred, current gross annual income (not for qualification purposes), information about burial or funeral insurance policies, information about other funeral assistance received, information about CARES Act grants and assistance from voluntary organizations, and the routing and account number of the applicant's checking or savings account for direct deposit should one choose that method of reimbursement.


**Applicants whose loved ones passed away between January 20, 2020 and May 16, 2020 may submit a death certificate without COVID-19 listed as a contributing factor of death provided that they also submit a statement or letter from the death certificate's certifying official, medical examiner, or coroner that explains or links the death to COVID-19.


Additional Resources?

Still have questions about what funeral expenses are covered, when you should apply for reimbursement, when the program cutoff is, how much you are eligible for, and if you can you still receive funds even though you already applied to FEMA for another recent disaster?  Answers to those questions and more can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions resource page of the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Website.


FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance FAQ