FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
March 30, 2021
To Our Valued Families and Community,
The COVID-19 Pandemic has been a unique challenge for our community and many of the families we serve. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
This funeral assistance relief reimbursement provided by FEMA will be available to families who experienced loss specifically due to COVID-19, as certified by a medical professional on a Certified Death Certificate.
Holloway Funeral Home and our affiliates are encouraging all eligible families to apply for this relief program. We are here to provide guidance, support, and documentation as necessary to make this process as easy as possible. Please know we will continue to stand with every family we serve as you navigate a new reality without a loved one. While we have all been challenged over the last year, we know many of the families we serve have experienced the greatest loss of all.
For specific eligibility and program details, please visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.
With Sincerest Regards,
Jonathan R. Holloway
Please note, this relief program is administered and at the sole discretion of FEMA and is provided to families as a reimbursement program. It is not intended for the initial funeral expenses.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
- 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.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
How to Apply
In April, FEMA will begin accepting applications. If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
How are Funds Received?
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
REFERENCE SOURCE: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
