Overview
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
FEMA COVID Funeral Assistance
As of April 12, 2021, FEMA will accept applications by phone for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 funeral expenses, up to $9,000. This document serves to summarize the Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records (DOH BVR) role in aiding applicants in obtaining a certified death certificate needed to submit their application to FEMA.
How to Apply
The FEMA COVID Funeral Assistance information can be found here: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number
Applications begin on April 12, 2021
844-684-6333
TTY:800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
Types of information needed to apply include:
An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
DOH BVR is providing information online and by phone 855-322-1022 to help interested applicants obtain a certified death certificate that meets the criteria for FEMA funeral assistance reimbursement program.
In the instance that in interested applicant does not have a death certificate that meets eligibility, DOH BVR provides options on how best to obtain an official death certificate that explicitly states the cause of death as COVID 19.
Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant's name, the deceased person's name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
Find more information on how to obtain an official death certificate.