COVID funeral reimbursement now $9,000. This is how it applies today (2023)

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When a relative of yours diesCOVID 19, you could recover up to $9,000 for funeral expenses. That's $2,000 more per person than the $7,000 limit announced in February. Starting this week, the Federal Emergency Management Administration beganaccept subscriptionsof legitimate families.

FEMA's action was part of theDecember COVID-19 Relief Act, which also included a secondStimulus Checkup to $600. The law provides $2 billion for people affected by thePandemicand may have incurred debts to pay for the funeral and burial of a loved one.

Here's everything we know so far about burial reimbursement funds, including who's eligible and how to apply. For Other Stimulus Money and COVID Issues, Here's What You Need to KnowStimulus Check Plus Up Payments, to diemonthly child tax creditfrom July (see ourFrequently asked questions about loans for children). this is the latestStudent loan debt relief, Afourth stimulus checkIt is likesave money on health care.

Who can claim reimbursement for funeral expenses related to COVID-19?

You can apply for a COVID-19 related burial grant if you meet the following criteria:FEMA mar:

• The death must have occurred in the United States, including the US territories and the District of Columbia.
• Funeral expenses were incurred after January 20, 2020.
• The death certificate must show that the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
• It is not necessary that the deceased be a US citizen, non-citizen or qualified alien.
• There is no income requirement.

How much money can you be refunded?

FEMA's website says it will reimburse families up to $9,000 for COVID-related funeral and burial expenses. It is not yet clear what factors will determine who can receive all or part of the available funds.

In 2019, the national average cost for a funeral with viewing and burial was $7,640.Association of Funeral Directors. When a vault or coffin is included (which is often needed in a cemetery), the average cost increases to $9,135. And that is not taken into account.Cemetery, memorial or tombstone costs— or various cash advance fees, such as flowers or a funeral fee — noted the NFDA.

What funeral expenses does FEMA reimburse?

The program reimburses expenses for funeral services, such as:

• Transport for up to two people for identification of the deceased
• transfer of remains
• coffin or urn
• burial site or cremation niche
• marker or tombstone
• Spiritual or official services
• funeral service design
• Use of funeral home or employees
• Cremation or burial costs
• Costs related to the preparation and recognition of multiple death certificates
• Additional expenses required by applicable state or local law or regulation

Can I get reimbursed for more than one family member?

According to FEMA, if you were responsible for the funeral expenses of more than one family member whose death was attributed to COVID-19, you can apply for multiple deceased assistance. Reimbursement is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per claim per state, territory or District of Columbia.

What kind of information do you need to apply?

Before calling to apply, FEMA recommends gathering the following required documentation:

• Claimant's and deceased's social security numbers
• Date of birth of applicant and deceased
• Applicant's current mailing address
• Applicant's current phone number
• Place or address where the deceased person died
• Information about funeral or burial insurance policies
• Information on other funeral aid received, such as B. Donations
• CARES Act grants and support for voluntary organizations
• Applicant's current or savings account sort code and number (in the case of direct deposit, if desired)

You will also need:

• An official death certificateattributing the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and showing that the death occurred in the US, including the US Territories and the District of Columbia. (You can obtain one by contacting your state or local registry office. Sometimes a funeral home or third-party provider can also order one for you.)
• Funeral expense documents(Receipts, Funeral Record, etc.) that include the name of the claimant, the name of the deceased, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds from other sources used specifically for funeral expenses.FEMA is not in a position to duplicate funeral or burial insurance benefits, financial support from voluntary agencies, government agencies or other sources. (Proceeds from life insurance do not count as a doubling of funeral grant benefits.)

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How to apply for COVID-19 funeral reimbursement funds

To apply for up to $9,000 in FEMA burial reimbursement funds, first gather the documents listed above. Then call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Hotline at 844-684-6333. Note that FEMA receives many calls raising technical issues. If you get a busy signal, try again later.

Once you're done, it should take about 20 minutes to apply over the phone. You will receive an application number and will be asked to provide documentation to FEMA through:

• Upload files to yourDisasterAssistance.govAccount
• Documents sent by fax and855-261-3452.
• Sending documents toPO Box PO Box 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Is there a deadline to apply for COVID-19 funeral benefits?

At this time, there is no deadline for requesting the resources. FEMA, according to its website, will announce one as soon as it becomes effective.

How will my refund amount arrive?

If your application is approved, you will receive a check by mail or wire, depending on which option you chose during the application process. FEMA has not specified how long it will take to obtain these funds.

Has FEMA done something like this before?

Yes. UnderLei Stafford, FEMA can provide assistance with funeral expenses if deaths are caused by a disaster declared by the President. This was the case after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. After three hurricanes hit Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico in 2017, FEMA paid off, according to a report by theGovernment Accounting Office.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic is much bigger than anything FEMA has helped with in the past.a spokesperson told CBSIn December. At that time, the agency had already provided more than $56.2 billion to fight the pandemic, said the spokesman.

“We understand the financial and emotional turmoil that COVID-19 has brought to our country, and we are committed to providing funeral assistance to the American people as quickly as possible,” said a FEMA spokesperson. “We are working to streamline the delivery of this program to make it easier for people who have lost loved ones to request and receive help. It takes some time to develop the right process and tools to make this program easy, efficient and effective for everyone."

beware of scams

Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission reportedScammers target survivors of those who have died from COVID-19pretending to be FEMA and offering to pay for the funeral expenses. You should know that FEMA will not contact you directly unless you have done so.alreadyAgency contacted or assistance requested. Also, the government does not charge anything to get a refund. Nor will he call, text, email, or contact you on social media asking for personal information such as your social security number, bank, or credit card information.

The FTC has also warned people not to give out information about themselves or relatives to anyone who contacts you out of the blue, as it is most likely a scam. If a caller claims to be FEMA and you suspect they are an imposter, hang up and report to the FEMA Helpline at800-621-3362or the National Center for Fraud Hotline at866-720-5721.

For more information, seeeverything you need to know about a possible fourth stimulus checkEwhat you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine.