If your family has suffered a loss due to COVID-19, directly or indirectly, we wish to offer you our deepest condolences. Your family may qualify for federal Funeral Assistance from FEMA.
As a result of recent federal relief legislation, FEMA is providing up to $9,000 in funeral assistance to qualified families who have experienced a COVID-19 related death after January 20, 2020.
FEMA Funeral Assistance covers expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation. Eligible services include a wide range of funeral-related services, such as transportation of up to two people for identification; transfer of remains; casket or urn; burial plot or cremation niche; marker or headstone; clergy or officiant services; arrangement of the funeral ceremony; use of funeral home equipment or staff; interment; costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates; and additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.
In order to apply for this relief, you will need three types of documentation:
- An official death certificate attributing the death, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19.
- Proof of funeral expenses. We are happy to assist you by providing a copy of your paid funeral invoice.
- If your family received funds specifically for funeral costs, these must be disclosed and will offset the FEMA benefit. These funds can include, but are not limited to, funds received from a pre-paid funeral contract or KPERS. FEMA will only provide COVID-19 Funeral Assistance to one applicant per deceased individual. Families may begin applying for aid on April 12, 2021. Families may only apply for aid by calling the phone number established by FEMA, 844-684-6333. It is suggested that you have all your documentation with you when you make your original phone call. Once the original call has been placed, FEMA will provide further instruction.
For more information you may visit FEMA’s website, www.fema.gov and look for “COVID-19 Response." Or, visit the FEMA Funeral Assistance page on FEMA's website.
To view a video put together by FEMA, please visit their YouTube Video explaining the benefits avaliable.
This program, and the information published by FEMA, is constantly evolving. We are continuing to learn more about the details of the program each day. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us and we will assist you as best we can.
Sincerely,
Will Welsh