FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Expense Program Now Open

(Updated 4/14/2021)

FEMA is now accepting applications for their COVID-19 Reimbursement Program. To apply, call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number — 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9 am-9 pm Eastern Time. 

As might be expected, the response to the opening of the application process has been overwhelming. You will likely need to be persistent. If you experience a busy signal, please try back later. There is no deadline to apply

Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA’s representatives. Multilingual services will be available.

If your family is one of the many who has lost a loved one from Coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible to apply for reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program applies to deaths from coronavirus that took place after January 20, 2020.

“At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate.”

Under the new reimbursement policy, FEMA will provide up to $9,000 per funeral. Applicants may submit expenses for multiple funerals and burial up to a maximum of $35,000.

The application process is still under development, but FEMA expects to have it in place sometime in April 2021. 

For more information on the new FEMA COVID-19 program visit our FEMA COVID-19 Reimbursement Policy page on Funeralwise.com.