Federal Assistance With COVID-19-Related Funeral Expenses

The death of a loved one is difficult under any circumstance. In the past year, many people have unfortunately lost one –  or perhaps more – family members to COVID-19. The loss of a relative often exacts an emotional toll, and it can financially stress surviving family members, particularly when the survivors are unemployed or underemployed in the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Help from the Government

Because of the hardship, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced it will implement a funeral assistance program in April 2021. According to the agency’s statement:

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Funded by a $2 billion allocation under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, the program will reimburse individuals and households for COVID-19 funeral expenses incurred between January 20 and December 31, 2020.

Details Are Unfolding

FEMA is finalizing the program’s specific requirements and protocols and will release the details as soon as available. A dedicated toll-free number will allow applicants to apply for assistance over the phone.

In the meantime, the agency recommends those who have incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses gather and retain invoices, receipts, unpaid bills, and other payment documents to submit when the program opens.

We Continue to Counsel Clients on Legal Issues Associated with the Pandemic

If you have questions about the funeral expenses, probate administration, estate planning, PPP loan forgiveness, or other issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kreis Enderle is here to assist you. Please contact us today!