NEWS

Reimbursement is Available to Help Cover the Cost of a COVID-19 Funeral – and We Can Help!

June 14, 2022

Written by Attorney Christopher Burns and Summer Law Clerk Nicole Whitlock

Did you know financial assistance is available for funeral costs associated with Covid-19? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide up to $9,000 in financial assistance. Henson Efron understands that the Covid-19 pandemic brought overwhelming grief to many. There is currently no deadline to apply for Covid-19 funeral assistance. Our team at Henson Efron is here to assist you in your funeral assistance claim. Please call (612) 339-2500 or email firm@hensonefron.com for assistance or for more information.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• You are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen;
• The death occurred in the U.S. (including U.S. territories and the District of Colombia);
• The death was attributed to Covid-19; and
• You are responsible for funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020.

WHAT IS COVERED?

• Funeral services
• Cremation
• Burial
• Transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual
• Transfer of remains
• Casket or urn
• Burial plot or cremation niche
• Marker or headstone
• Clergy or officiant services
• Funeral ceremony
• Funeral home equipment or staff
• Costs for producing multiple death certificates
• Expenses required by local or state government laws

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

• An official death certificate that shows the death occurred in the U.S. (including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia), was attributed to Covid-19, and occurred on or after January 20, 2020 (Note: If the death occurred between January 20 and May 16, 2020, FEMA may accept a signed statement by a medical official or coroner who certified the death and linked it to Covid-19); and
• Signed documentation that includes your name, the name of the individual who died, and itemized expenses that prove that expenses were incurred on or after January 20, 2020.

HOW DO I APPLY?

• Call (844) 684-6333 (no online applications)
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. C.T.
• Provide your name, social security number, date of birth, address, and phone number, as well as the deceased’s name, social security number, date of birth, and the location/address of where he or she died
• Submit required documents
• You will receive your eligibility decision in about 45 days

According to fema.gov, these payments are generally not subject to federal income tax. Please check with your tax professional on the taxation of payments received from this program.

View informational handout here.