K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Family Consumer Science News Column

Joy Miller

620-223-3720 or [email protected]

Release: May 14, 2021

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, What Do You Need to Know?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began providing financial assistance for funeral expenses under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Funeral Assistance program is one of the ever-evolving schemes to take advantage of a vulnerable economic moment. Read on to learn more about the Funeral Assistance Program and tips to avoid being scammed.

Beginning in April, survivors can apply for up to $9,000 in qualifying funeral expenses if a loved one past away after January 20, 2020 related to COVID-19.

To be eligible for the funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions.

• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• COVID-19 related death must have occurred in the United States or U.S. territories.
• No requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, or qualified alien.
• Applicant(s) is a U.S. Citizen or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses for a death attributed to COVID-19.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. No online applications will be accepted. Prior to calling, start gathering documents such as official death certificate, funeral expense receipts and contracts, and proof of funds received from other sources specifically used toward funeral costs. This information will need to be submitted after registering the application. Review the Funeral Assistance frequently asked questions page for qualifications, covered expenses, and information needed to apply at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance|FEMA.gov.

FEMA reports that scammers are contacting people and pretending to offer to register them for funeral expense benefits. To avoid government imposter scams, here are some tips:

• FEMA will not contact you until you call or apply for assistance.
• The government won’t ask you to pay anything to get this benefit.
• Don’t give your own or your deceased loved one’s personal or financial information to anyone who randomly contacts you.

If you get a scam call, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or call 620.223.3720.