The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says they will be providing assistance with funeral costs for those who lost loved ones to COVID.  Payments, allocated through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan – will cover up to $7,000 per family for coronavirus-related funeral expenses, incurred after January 20th of 2020.  Distribution of financial assistance will begin this April (2021); additional guidance is being finalized but families who’ve had COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to gather, and  keep documentation.

FEMA says its in the process of establishing a toll-free number to be used for applications.

Eligible recipients will receive a check by mail or via direct deposit depending on the choice they make when they apply for assistance.

Who is eligible?

According to FEMA, these conditions must be met to be eligible for funeral assistance:

• 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.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. However, there is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

How to apply

Among the documents that applicants will need includes:

• An official death certificate that attributed the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
• Funeral expense documents, such as receipts, funeral home contracts, etc., that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and the dates the funeral expenses occurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use towards funeral costs. FEMA will not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received other sources, such as donations or government agencies.

FEMA advises people to check back here in the coming weeks for more information.