For the thousands of families who experienced loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some relief is coming in the form of funeral reimbursement. FEMA, the federal organization that helps people before, during and after disasters, has started a program for funeral reimbursement for deaths attributable to COVID-19.
“Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.” – FEMA Website.
FEMA has started taking applications for reimbursement through their website. The eligibility requirements are:
- The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
FEMA will not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance. However, the website does not mention anything about proceeds from other types of life insurance policies.
For more information, view the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program page on the FEMA website: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance