FEMA to Provide Assistance with Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

FEMA to Provide Assistance with Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

The staff at Meyer Funeral Homes in Newton, Dieterich and Greenup, Illinois want the residents of the communities we serve to be aware, that beginning in April, families that experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Two pieces of legislation recently passed by Congress – the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to families that incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
“This has been a difficult year as families throughout the country have unexpectedly lost a loved one,” said Lisa Meyer, of Meyer Funeral Homes. “Our hearts are with, not only the families we have served, but everyone in this community who is grieving the loss of a loved one or friend due to the pandemic. While this assistance cannot take away the pain and grief, it will make help many who already faced difficulties due to the pandemic.”
Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral and memorial services, and burial, interment or cremation. On April 12, 2021, a dedicated 800-number will be available to help individuals who apply. FEMA encourages families that may be eligible 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 (e.g., 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.
If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant(s). Applicants can also apply for assistance for more than one individual who died.

“FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance covers eligible expenses for the services you’ve already paid for when your loved one passed,” said Meyer
The FEMA website has complete information about eligibility requirements, documentation applicants will be required to provide, and how to start the application process. Visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral- assistance
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number
Applications begin on April 12, 2021
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
“We are honored to serve our community, as always if there is anything we can do to assist families we are only a phone call away,” said Meyer.