The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be easing some of the financial burden for funeral expenses for COVID-19 deaths.
Beginning in April, the agency says it will begin paying up to $9,000 in expenses per funeral. Those who lost multiple family members can apply for $35,000.
To be eligible, the following conditions must be met:
-The death must have occurred in the United Stated, including the U. S territories and the district of Columbia.
-The applicant(s) must be a U.S citizen, legal resident, asylees, refugee or non-citizen national.
-The applicant must have a copy of the death certificate stating the death was caused or likely a result of COVID-19.
-Applicants must also provide proof of funeral expenses.
Eligible expenses include burial or cremation, as well as costs associated with headstones, clergy services, transfer of remains and other additional expenses.
There are some exceptions. Those who received assistance through another governmental agency or volunteer agency are not entitles to apply through FEMA.
If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should register under a single application as applicant and co-applicant.
The program will be implemented in April and some local funeral homes have started to inform those who may be eligible about the assistance.