FEMA Funeral Assistance: How to Apply and What It Covers

By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic | Evermore Directory · Last updated: May 2026

A complete guide to FEMA's COVID-19 funeral assistance program, including eligibility, covered expenses, and step-by-step application instructions.

FEMA provides up to $9,000 per deceased individual in funeral assistance for deaths attributed to COVID-19. The program covers funeral services, cremation, burial, caskets, urns, clergy fees, transportation of remains, and death certificates. As of 2026, the program remains open and families can apply by calling 844-684-6333. No online application is available. This is a reimbursement program, meaning you apply after the funeral expenses have been paid.

As a former first responder, I saw the toll COVID-19 took on families, both emotionally and financially. Many families do not know this assistance exists or believe it has expired. It has not. If you lost a family member to COVID-19 and paid for the funeral, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

Who Is Eligible for FEMA Funeral Assistance

To qualify for FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, all of the following must be true:

1.The death occurred in the United States, including US territories and the District of Columbia.
2.The death certificate attributes the death to COVID-19 as either a direct cause or a contributing factor.
3.The applicant (the person who paid for the funeral) is a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
4.The funeral expenses were not fully covered by burial insurance, a prepaid funeral plan, a voluntary agency, or another government program.

There is no income limit for this program. Eligibility is based on the cause of death and your citizenship status, not your financial situation.

What Expenses Are Covered

FEMA reimburses funeral expenses up to $9,000 per deceased individual. If an applicant lost multiple family members to COVID-19, the maximum total reimbursement is $35,500 across all claims. Covered expenses include:

•Funeral home services (basic services fee, staff coordination, facilities use)
•Cremation or burial (including the cremation fee or cemetery interment fee)
•Casket or urn
•Burial plot, grave liner, or columbarium niche
•Headstone or grave marker
•Clergy or officiant fees
•Transportation of remains (up to $2,500 for transportation costs)
•Certified death certificates

Expenses that are not covered include flowers, catering for a reception, travel expenses for family members, and any costs already paid by insurance, a prepaid funeral plan, or another government benefit.

How to Apply: Step by Step

There is only one way to apply: by phone. FEMA does not accept online applications for funeral assistance.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Before calling, have the following ready: death certificate listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing factor, funeral home invoices or receipts showing what you paid, proof of your citizenship or immigration status, and your Social Security number. If multiple people contributed to the cost, gather signed statements from each person.

Step 2: Call the FEMA helpline

Call 844-684-6333. The line is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Multilingual services are available. A FEMA representative will take your information and walk you through the application. The call typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Submit your documentation

After the phone call, FEMA will tell you how to submit your supporting documents. You can typically fax or mail them. Keep copies of everything you send.

Step 4: Wait for processing

FEMA reviews your application and documentation. Most complete applications are processed within 30 to 45 days. If documents are missing, FEMA will contact you to request them, which can extend the timeline.

Step 5: Receive payment

If approved, FEMA sends payment via direct deposit or check, based on the preference you provided during the application. The payment covers your documented expenses up to the $9,000 per-individual limit.

Common Reasons for Denial and How to Appeal

If FEMA denies your application, they will send a written explanation. The most common reasons for denial are:

•The death certificate does not mention COVID-19
•Missing or incomplete documentation (receipts, proof of payment, or citizenship proof)
•The death occurred outside the United States
•The expenses were already fully covered by insurance or another program
•A duplicate application was already submitted for the same deceased individual

You have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file a written appeal. Include any missing documents and a letter explaining why you believe the denial was incorrect. Send the appeal to the address provided in the denial letter. Many initially denied applications are approved on appeal once the correct documentation is submitted.

Important Details Families Should Know

This program is a reimbursement, not an advance. You must have already paid for the funeral before applying. FEMA will not pay the funeral home directly. The funds go to the applicant who paid the bills.

FEMA funeral assistance is not taxable income. You do not need to report it on your federal or state income tax return. The assistance also does not affect your eligibility for other federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, or SNAP.

If you chose direct cremation for a COVID-19 death, you can still apply for reimbursement of those costs. FEMA covers cremation services at the same level as traditional burial services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does FEMA pay for funeral assistance?

FEMA provides up to $9,000 per deceased individual for funeral expenses related to COVID-19 deaths. If an applicant had multiple family members die from COVID-19, the maximum total assistance is $35,500 per applicant. The actual amount depends on the expenses you incurred and what documentation you provide.

How do I apply for FEMA funeral assistance?

You must apply by calling the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 844-684-6333. This line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. There is no online application for this program. A FEMA representative will walk you through the application over the phone and tell you what documents to submit.

What documents do I need to apply?

You will need a death certificate that lists COVID-19 as a cause of death or a contributing factor, funeral home receipts or invoices showing the expenses you paid, proof that the death occurred in the United States (including US territories), and proof that you are a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. If multiple people contributed to the funeral costs, you will also need signed statements from each contributor.

Does the death certificate have to mention COVID-19?

Yes. The death certificate must attribute the death to COVID-19 either as a direct cause or as a contributing factor. If the original death certificate does not mention COVID-19 but you believe the death was related, you may be able to work with the certifying physician or medical examiner to amend the certificate before applying.

Can I get FEMA funeral assistance if I already paid for the funeral?

Yes. The FEMA program is a reimbursement program. You apply after the funeral has already taken place and expenses have been paid. FEMA reimburses the person who paid for the funeral, up to the $9,000 limit per deceased individual. You will need to provide receipts or invoices showing what you paid.

Is there a deadline to apply for FEMA funeral assistance?

As of 2026, FEMA has not announced a firm application deadline for the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. However, the program could close at any time as the national emergency declaration has ended. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting.

What if FEMA denies my application?

If your application is denied, FEMA will send a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include missing documentation, a death certificate that does not mention COVID-19, or the death occurring outside the United States. You can appeal the decision by submitting a written appeal along with any missing documents within 60 days of the denial letter.

Does FEMA funeral assistance cover cremation costs?

Yes. FEMA funeral assistance covers both burial and cremation expenses. Covered cremation costs include the cremation fee, cremation container or urn, transportation of remains, death certificates, and clergy or officiant fees. The total reimbursement for all funeral and cremation expenses combined cannot exceed $9,000 per deceased individual.

How long does it take to receive FEMA funeral assistance?

Most applicants receive their payment within 30 to 45 days of submitting a complete application with all required documentation. Delays occur most often when documentation is incomplete or when the death certificate needs to be amended. FEMA sends payment via direct deposit or check, depending on the preference you provide during the application.

Can multiple family members apply for the same death?

Only one application can be submitted per deceased individual. However, if multiple family members contributed to the funeral costs, they should coordinate so that one person submits the application and includes documentation for all contributors. FEMA can split the reimbursement among multiple people if signed statements are provided.

You Might Also Find Helpful

Browse Funeral Homes Near You