Over the course of the pandemic, many people have lost loved ones. Unfortunately, that left them with large funeral costs and bills that they may not have been expecting.
The cost of an average funeral and burial is $7,360, based on data from the National Funeral Directors Association. Fortunately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has launched a new program to help families recover those costs when they are in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 funeral assistance is available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. FEMA is supplying financial assistance to those who have COVID-19-related funeral expenses that were created after January 20, 2020.
Who is qualified to obtain this compensation?
Anyone who has held a funeral for a loved one who passed from COVID-19 may qualify for this assistance so long as:
- The death certificate shows that the death was attributed to COVID-19
- The applicant is a qualified alien, non-citizen national or U.S. citizen
- The death happened in one of the U.S. territories, the District of Columbia or the United States
You will need to keep and gather information for FEMA to seek this financial aid. FEMA would like to see:
- The official death certificate
- Proof of funds that were received for the purpose of covering the cost of the funeral. Certain benefits, such as funeral or burial insurance, aren’t able to be covered by the program
- Funeral expense documents, such as receipts or contracts
Once someone applies for this relief, then they will receive the check by mail to cover their expenses. Other alternative methods to receive compensation include through direct deposit, depending on the preference of the person applying for compensation.
Support for those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 is available. Pass this information on to those you love as well as your local community. Anyone who has hosted a funeral for a loved one who passed from COVID-19 may be eligible based on the requirements above, and they should seek this compensation to help with those expenses as soon as possible.