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FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for
COVID-19-Related Deaths
Release Date Release Number
March 24, 2021 HQ-21-071
WASHINGTON -- In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial
assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths
related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial
stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized
today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral
assistance program nationwide.
"At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters,"
said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The COVID-19 pandemic
has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot
change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral
and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate."
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
 The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified
alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death
attributed to COVID-19.
 If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should
apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will
also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the
applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as
part of the registration for the deceased individual.
 An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
 The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States,
including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
 This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per
funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
 Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral
services and interment or cremation.
In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help
individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are
encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:
 An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and
shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate
must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the
result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that
indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient
attribution.
 Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that
include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the
amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were
incurred.
 Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward
funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received
from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received
from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government
programs or agencies, or other sources.
For more information about this assistance, visit COVID-19 Funeral
Assistance | FEMA.gov.
Related Links
Funeral Assistance FAQ