Federal Funeral Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides up to $7,000 in financial reimbursement to assist with COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20 of last year.
Families must meet the following FEMA requirements:
The death must have occurred in the United States, including U.S. territories.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
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.
The following documentation will be required:
An official death certificate attributing the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were inccurred.
Proof of funds received from other sources. FEMA is not able to reimburse if it will duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
To apply for funeral expense reimbursement:
Online applications are not available. Call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program at 844.684.6333 (or TTY: 800.462.7585), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Calls should take about 20 minutes and it is important to have all necessary information and documentation on hand when you call. Once you have applied and are given an application number, you may provide supporting documentation to FEMA through fax, mail, or by uploading them to your account.
Call volumes are high, so if you’re unable to get through, call back. There is no deadline to apply. Applicants have the option to receive funds via a mailed check or by direct deposit. Visit FEMA at www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.
Local Funeral Assistance:
The Wayne Metro Community Action Agency provides funeral assistance. Call 313.388.9799 or visit: http://waynemetro.org/apply to see if you are eligible.