FEMA

The Coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic has impacted so many families across the nation. FEMA, (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has assisted people before, during and after natural disasters. Due to the pandemic, this organization is offering to ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

This is especially helpful, for families who may have lost more than one family member or for those who have delayed any memorial services over the last year. Amendments or new agreements can be put in place, to pay tribute for those who you have lost. Families can receive reimbursement up to $9,000 for family members that passed from this terrible virus.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Appropriations Act will be rolling out April 12, 2021.

For assistance, please call Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We would be honored to assist you with the application process or to pay tribute to your loved one if you did not have an opportunity to do so.

For more information contact us and one of our staff will assist you.

FEMA Information:

• The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• The 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.

• An official copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely a result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are also considered sufficient.
• Proof of funeral expenses incurred. Documentation (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) must include the applicant’s name as the responsible person for the expense, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and that funeral expenses were incurred after January 20, 2020.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

• Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
• Transfer of remains
• Casket or urn
• Burial plot or cremation niche
• Marker or headstone
• Clergy or officiant services
• Arrangement of the funeral ceremony
• Use of funeral home equipment or staff
• Cremation or interment costs
• Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
• Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.

• FEMA has released a YouTube video explaining the process for consumers.
• Maximum funeral assistance available is $9,000 per funeral.
• FEMA will only award COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for a deceased individual on a single application. If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should register under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. The applicant or co-applicant must have incurred the funeral expenses
• If applicants already received reimbursement for certain funeral expenses through government agencies, voluntary agencies, non-profits, burial or funeral insurance, they cannot resubmit those same expenses for reimbursement through this FEMA-administered program. If they received any outside assistance, they must include documentation of this assistance in their application. If they received financial assistance through the deceased’s life insurance policy, they may still apply for reimbursement.
• Funeral directors are not eligible to apply for funeral assistance and are not responsible for administering its application, but may point families in the right direction to get started.
• Funeral assistance will be paid via check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option chosen when applying for assistance.
• FEMA has released a Funeral Assistance FAQ.
• View the current COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Individuals and Households Program Policy.
• FEMA will not contact anybody regarding funeral assistance until they have called FEMA or applied for assistance. To report potential fraud, please contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.