Fort Scott Biz

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program

Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
joymiller@ksu.edu

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Family Consumer Science News Column

Joy Miller

620-223-3720 or joymiller@ksu.edu

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.

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:

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 joymiller@ksu.edu or call 620.223.3720.

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