Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Funeral Assistance

FEMA Advisory

FEMA COVID-19 Update

Today, FEMA begins processing applications for funeral assistance. FEMA will provide 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.

Key Messages

FEMA has never delivered funeral assistance on this scale before, so we took time to develop and streamline the processes and tools to make this assistance efficient and effective for everyone.
The call center has received thousands of calls this morning, which is causing some technical issues. Some applicants are reaching operators, while others are receiving a busy signal.
We ask that applicants be patient as we work to correct these issues and 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.
We will not rush through calls because we intend to make sure that every applicant gets their questions answered and receives the help they need to apply.
Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, 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 fastest service after you have called to apply, submit documentation online through Disasterassistance.gov, or by fax 855-261-3452. Documents may also be mailed to: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782.
Applicants can also visit FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq Information is provided in several languages both by telephone and the website.

FEMA has provided more than billion to 49 states, Washington, D.C. and four territories for those unemployed due to COVID-19 through Dec. 27, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Funeral Assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

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 or caused by 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.

Which expenses will qualify for reimbursement? Examples of eligible expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation may include, but not limited to:

Transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual
The transfer of remains, a casket or urn
A burial plot or cremation niche
A marker orheadstone
Clergy or officiant services
The arrangement of a funeral ceremony
The use of funeral home equipment or staff
Cremation or interment costs
Costs associated with producing multiple deathcertificates

What information do I need to provide to FEMA?

Please have the following information before contacting FEMA to apply:

Your name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers.
The name, social security number and date of birth for each deceased individual.
The location or address where the deceased individual passed away.
Documentation and receipts for any assistance already received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, voluntary agencies, other government programs or non-profit organizations.
If you and another person both incurred funeral expenses for the same deceased individual(s), you can also provide that person as a co-applicant — include their name, social security number and date of birth on the application.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THIS ASSISTANCE?

Call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at
1-844-684-6333
(TTY: 800-462-7585)
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET,
Monday – Friday and begin the application process.

For fastest service following your application, you can begin submitting documentation online through

Disaster Assistance GOV

by fax 855-261-3452.
Documents may also be mailed to:
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782