The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized $2 billion to provide financial assistance to families who paid for funeral costs specifically related to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The reimbursement applies to funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Claims are capped at $9,000.
Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, headquartered in Manchester, is assisting NH and VT families with filing for reimbursement for COVID-related funerals. Phaneuf has even created a web page with information about the reimbursement.
“Phaneuf has assisted more than 275 families of people who died from COVID-19,” said Buddy Phaneuf, president of Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium. “Our care for families doesn’t end with a funeral service. We want to help them in any way we can, including guiding them through this funeral reimbursement process.”
Who is Eligible?
- The death must have occurred in the U.S. or its territories since January 1, 2020.
- 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.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen.
How to Apply
Call the toll-free number (844-684-6333) and be prepared to provide the following:
- Household income (there is no income requirement to apply)
- Social security number for both the applicant and deceased
- Information about funeral expenses you paid for
- Bank routing info for direct deposit reimbursement
Following the call, FEMA will send a Request for Information letter, which includes a login to a secure website log for applicants to complete the process. Applicants will upload funeral-related expenses files (in PDF or JPG formats) to the secure website site.
The FEMA link is https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance. Applications began on April 12, 2021.
Current Issue - April 2024