SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Beginning Monday, April 12, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will accept applications for the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. Created by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the program provides financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
To apply for funeral assistance, applicants should call 844-684-6333 or TTY 800-462-7585 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
“Having to arrange a funeral for a loved one lost to COVID-19 made a difficult time even more difficult for hundreds of families in Summit County. Hopefully this program will lessen the burden for some,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “Thank you to our partners at the federal level for making this assistance available to families.”
Applicants must meet the following requirements to receive assistance:
- 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.
The following documents may be required to receive assistance: an official death certificate, funeral expense documents and proof of funds received from other sources. If deemed eligible for funeral assistance, program participants will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option chosen when applying for assistance.
FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and will not contact people prior to them registering for assistance. Funeral Assistance FAQs, including covered expenses, are available at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq.
