Resources
COVID-19 FEMA
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused overwhelming harm and grief to many Americans. Along with FEMA, Forest North Funeral Chapel’s mission is to help people before, during and after a life is lost. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial hardships caused by the virus and can help you get financial assistance by calling the Funeral Assistance Helpline below.
How to Apply
FEMA.gov provides financial assistance under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline
(718) 448-6200
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
9am - 9pm Eastern Time
Call their dedicated, toll-free number above to complete an application for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. You’ll speak directly with a FEMA representative. Multilingual services are available.
To get more answers to questions you may have visit their Funeral Assistance FAQ page.
Funeral Assistance Policy
On June 29, 2021 they amended the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance policy to assist with COVID-19 related deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic. Read their Policy Change FAQ here.
Required Documents
- Official death certificate that shows the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and District of Columbia.
- If the death certificate was issued between Jan. 20 and May 16, 2020, it must either 1) attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 or 2) be accompanied by a signed statement from the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death. This signed statement must provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate to COVID-19.
- If the death certificate occurred on or after May 17, 2020, the death certificate must attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
If you’re eligible for funeral assistance will receive funds by their choice in a mailed check or by direct deposit.
Additional Resources from FEMA
VIDEO: Providing Financial Assistance for COVID-19-Related Funeral Expenses
VIDEO: Providing Financial Assistance for COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses (ASL Video)
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Individuals and Households Program Policy (Interim) (Version 2)
FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths Press Release | March 24, 2021
Fraud Alert
FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA will not send any such notifications and they do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance. Click Here to Learn More.
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