FEMA offers funeral assistance for pandemic related deaths

ELLIS COUNTY – It seems the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on everyone by now, particularly as the latest variant (Delta) has been highlighted.

Recently the pandemic took my brother-in-law.

One thing I learned from my sister who lost her husband during this time is no matter how you are grieving there are still expenses.

FEMA recently announced it will try to help ease the financial burden that comes with loss at this time by assisting with COVID-19 related funeral expenses.

Families can apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance by calling (844) 684-6333 or TTY (800) 462-7585. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday with Multilingual services available.

While there is no deadline to apply for the aid related to funeral expenses, the criteria includes the person did die of COVID-19, the death occurred in the U.S., the applicant paid for funeral, burial or cremation costs after Jan. 20, 2020, the applicant is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or qualified refugee. The deceased does not need to meet these qualifications.

For assistance, the applicant will also need to include information to FEMA such as the deceased person’s date of birth, location of death and information regarding the funeral or burial insurance policies and any other funeral assistance received.

For the latest information on FEMA’s Funeral Assistance visit www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus.