By Anthony Johson
•
24 Apr, 2021
The federal State of Emergency declared during the coronavirus pandemic ended on May 11, 2023, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency will continue to process COVID-19 funeral assistance program applications for the next two years. FEMA declared that it will accept applications for the aid until the fall of 2025, according to an agency spokesman. "Although the COVID-19 incident period came to an end on May 11, 2023, FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic. The deadline to apply for this assistance is September 30, 2025," FEMA Press Secretary Jeremy M. Edwards said in an emailed statement. Anyone who has had a death due to COVID-19 may be eligible for reimbursement up to $9,000 . Eligible funeral expenses include but are not limited to: 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 the funeral ceremony Use of funeral home equipment or staff Cremation or interment costs Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances. According the FEMA's guidelines: To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. For more information, including the application for assistance, please visit the following link: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance