COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Available through FEMA

 The Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Inc. received word that federal COVID-19 Funeral Assistance  will be available on April 12, 2021.

“We received information from the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin accepting applications on Monday,” Tim Marodi, owner and operator of the Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Inc. explained. “FEMA has also established a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line for families to call and begin the application process.”

The FEMA website explains that their mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters and the agency is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

“Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020,” the website states.

The following criteria will be used to determine eligibility:

• 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.

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, you are encouraged to gather documentation prior to calling FEMA. Types of information should include:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
• Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds can be distributed via direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.

To apply, contact the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central Time.

For additional information, please visit the FEMA website https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance#

 

Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc. * 809 Main Street * Bentleyville PA 15314