If you have lost a loved one due to COVID-19, FEMA now offers financial assistance for funeral expenses. Assistance is available retroactively for funeral expenses incurred after January 20^th of last year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for assistance from FEMA, your loved one must have passed away in the United States (including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia). Your loved one did not have to be a United States citizen, qualified alien, or non-citizen national. However, the person applying for assistance must be a U.S. citizen, qualified alien, or non-citizen national. In addition, your loved one’s death certificate must show that his or her death was attributed to COVID-19.

Documentation

If you believe you’re eligible for assistance, gather the following documents:

• Official death certificate attributing your loved one’s death, either directly or indirectly, to COVID-19. The certificate must show your loved one died in the United States, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia
• Receipts, funeral home contracts, etc. detailing the funeral expenses incurred. These documents should include the decedent’s name, the applicant’s name, the date(s) the expenses were incurred, and the amount of the expenses incurred
• If you received funds from other sources to help pay funeral expenses, such as funeral or burial insurance, government agencies, or charitable organizations, you must document it. FEMA will not duplicate benefits received from these and other sources

You can apply for assistance by calling the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number: (844) 684-6333. This number operates Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM eastern daylight time. You cannot apply for assistance online.

It is important to note that there have been reports of scammers contacting people and offering to help them register for FEMA funeral assistance. FEMA has not issued notifications of this nature, nor will it contact anyone before he or she registers for assistance.

To learn more about obtaining funeral assistance from FEMA, visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.

With over 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Cliff Cohen is dedicated to helping his clients enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place for whatever the future may hold. To learn how estate planning can benefit you and your family, call the Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen at (202) 895-2799 to schedule a meeting. We can meet in-person at our office or virtually via Zoom and other platforms.