COVID-19 Funeral Expense Assistance Still Available Through FEMA

Families who’ve lost a loved one to COVID-19 still have time to get financial assistance from FEMA.  

Financial assistance is available for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. IDHS encourages people to use this benefit to ease the monetary burden created by losing a family member to COVID-19.  

According to January 2022 reports, more than 19,000 Hoosiers have died from COVID-19, but only 4,200 families have applied for and received funeral assistance.   

To be eligible for funeral assistance, an applicant must meet the following conditions:

• For deaths that occurred after May 16, 2020, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
• For deaths that occurred from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020, any death certificate that does not attribute the cause of death to COVID-19 must have an additional signed statement listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death.
• The signed statement must be provided by the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred. The statement must provide an additional explanation linking the cause of death on the death certificate to COVID-19.

Applicants are encouraged to keep documentation of the funeral expenses and the death certificate.

Covered expenses typically include, but are not limited to:

• Funeral services
• Cremation
• Interment
• Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
• Transfer of remains
• Casket or urn
• Burial plot or cremation niche
• Marker or headstone
• Clergy or officiant services
• Arrangement of funeral ceremony
• Use of funeral home equipment or staff
• Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
• Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances

Hoosiers can apply by calling (844) 684-6333 to speak with a FEMA representative. More information is on IDHS’ Individual Assistance webpage and on FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance website. Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 related items is made available through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Act of 2021.