USA Pays $9,000 in Funeral Expenses for Certain COVID-19 Fatalities

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed on April 21, 2021, if a person's death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19, a reimbursement payment of $9,000 might be available.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 makes it possible for families and individuals who incur funeral expenses due to COVID-19 in 2021 the ability to apply for Funeral Assistance.

The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance assists with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation. Any receipts received for expenses not related to funeral services will not be determined eligible expenses, says FEMA.

FEMA's website says, 'if you are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. The funeral expenses were for an individual whose death in the USA, territories, or the District of Columbia.'

Applicants must provide a copy of the death certificate, proof of funeral expenses incurred, and proof of assistance received from any other source.

FEMA clarifies that 'it is possible to change or amend a death certificate. This process starts with contacting the person who certified the death. Applicants may present evidence to them to support the claim the death was attributable to COVID-19.

"We understand the financial and emotional turmoil COVID-19 has brought to our nation, and we are committed to bringing funeral assistance to the American people as quickly as possible," a FEMA spokesperson told CNET on April 15, 2021.

"We are working to streamline the delivery of this program to make it easier for people who lost loved ones to apply for and receive assistance. It's taking some time to develop the right process and tools to make this program easy, efficient and effective for everyone." 

Furthermore, FEMA confirms the 'Funeral Assistance Program' has controls in place to mitigate fraudulent activity.