The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently accepting applications for the reimbursement of up to $9,000 in funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths.
To qualify, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. There is no requirement for the deceased to be a U.S. citizen. The funeral costs must have been incurred in the United States after January 20, 2020.
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FEMA requires applicants to present a death certificate attributing the death to COVID-19-related symptoms. COVID-19-related deaths may be due to a number of issues, including heart attacks, tissue damage and organ failure.
The patient’s primary care physician or the overseeing doctor makes the decision as to whether a death is caused by COVID-19, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. If a life-threatening (and ultimately life-ending condition) is brought on or weakens the body to the point of death due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, that death can be deemed as COVID-19-related.
In addition to the death certificate, the applicant must include funeral cost receipts proving the cost of the services and proof of funds received from other sources specifically meant for funeral costs.
The national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in 2019 was $7,640, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.
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The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CARES) and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided funding for the program.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com.
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