The COVID-19 pandemic caused devastation throughout the country. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost, leaving many families to bear this burden while facing economic difficulties as well. In an effort to relieve the financial strain on these families, FEMA is offering funeral cost assistance, starting in April, for those who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. To help you determine if you or someone you know may be eligible for this assistance, we’ve laid out this program’s basic details.
Note: Please note that FEMA has warned of scammers trying to take advantage of this situation by pretending to be affiliated with the organization. FEMA will not contact you without you first applying for assistance. If you receive unsolicited information about this program, please do not respond to the email. Instead, contact FEMA directly.
Who Qualifies for Funeral Assistance?
The qualifications to receive funeral assistance are relatively basic. The person applying must have incurred the expense after January 20, 2020, and be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. It is also required that the death certificate state that COVID-19 was an attributing factor and that the death occurred in the U.S. or a U.S. territory.
How Can You Apply?
Applications will begin in April for FEMA’s funeral cost assistance program. To stay up-to-date and to apply, please visit the FEMA website. You will be asked to provide detailed documentation, such as the death certificate, funeral expense documentation, and proof of any funds you have received from other sources (e.g., burial insurance, government assistance, etc.).
What Should You Keep in Mind?
- Do not respond to any emails about this program that are not coming directly from FEMA. If you have not reached out for this assistance, FEMA will not contact you. Any unsolicited emails could be a scam.
- Be sure to collect all documentation necessary prior to the application process. Keep any documents or expense receipts that could provide information about the nature of the death, where it took place, and the expenses you’ve incurred.
- You can find answers to the most commonly asked questions on FEMA’s FAQ page.
Did COVID-19 Change Your Financial Plans?
To discuss how your finances have changed since the pandemic and what you can do to readjust, reach out to a Southwestern Investment Group advisor near you. We work to build a sensible strategy and provide ongoing guidance that helps you and your family attain your financial goals. Contact us today to learn more about comprehensive financial planning and how it can benefit you.
