The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that it will begin providing financial assistance by early April of this year for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After FEMA’s announcement, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement:
“As chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I am pleased that today FEMA announced its plans for providing up to $9,000 for eligible funeral assistance to families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19.
“After the last administration refused to make this benefit available, I and many of my colleagues included a provision in legislation enacted by Congress last December to require it.
“Beginning in April, families can submit applications for the benefit through a dedicated toll-free number. While nothing can replace those we have lost, this assistance will help alleviate some of the financial burden that families must bear.”
More information regarding this assistance can be found at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
