Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) begins processing applications for funeral assistance, helping ease some of the financial stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Nationally, the call center has received thousands of calls, which is causing some technical issues. Some applicants are reaching operators, while others are receiving a busy signal. The call center asks that applicants be patient as it works to correct these issues. Callers should have all their important documents ready when they call to apply. Please know there is no deadline to apply and applicants will have the ability to open a case.
Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions:
The death must have occurred in the United States. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
For the fastest service, after you have called to apply, submit documentation online through www.Disasterassistance.govor by faxing 855-261-3452. Documents may also be mailed to: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782.
Applicants can also visit www.FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq. Information is provided in several languages both by telephone and the website.
