The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), on Tuesday (15/3), announced the federal government had provided more than $2 billion to help cover the funeral costs of more than 300,000 families of victims who died from COVID-19. The announcement comes amid a new campaign to raise awareness about the assistance program for eligible families launched by the agency.
More than 965,000 people have died in America from the deadly virus. The Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 Victims Program provides up to $9,000 for each funeral, and covers COVID-19-related deaths from January 20, 2020. According to FEMA, the average amount of assistance provided per death is $6,500.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in a statement said “FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program has assisted 300,000 people with emergency financial assistance during such a time of unexpected, unimaginable and widespread loss.”
FEMA on Tuesday (15/3) launched a new paid advertising campaign in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas targeted at areas with high COVID-19 death rates, but few reimbursement requests or reimbursement to help connect those in need and these available assistance programs. FEMA also reached out to community groups and local media to help publicize the program’s existence.
“This new campaign is designed to reach families, particularly in underserved communities where funeral costs can be a financial burden on loved ones,” said Criswell. “Our goal is to assist families who apply for assistance, as well as submit all the necessary documents to apply for it.”
FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program Covers Large Expenditures
To qualify for reimbursement of funeral expenses, death certificates for those who died after 16 May 2020 must show that the death was caused by COVID-19.
For deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic – i.e. between January 20 and May 16, 2020 – the death certificate must be accompanied by a statement signed by the medical examiner, morgue examiner or certifying official listed on the certificate indicating that the cause of death was is because of COVID-19.
Costs covered under this FEMA program include funeral, cremation and burial services, as well as costs for coffins or urns, burial site or cremation niche, markers or tombstones, transportation or transfer of bodies, clergy or funeral services, and use of household appliances. funeral staff.
The program was first signed into law in the final days of President Donald Trump’s administration, the reimbursement process only starting to receive applications for help just weeks after Biden came to power.
The program’s initial budget provided $2 billion for funeral assistance which has quickly run out in recent days. Going forward, the program’s budget will come from President Biden’s 2021 relief bill, known as the “American Rescue Plan.”
FEMA does not accept requests for assistance for reimbursement of funeral expenses online. Those who qualify are directed to call the agency’s helpline where they will be asked to submit the required documentation. [em/lt]