April 14, 2021

Rep. Lawson Announces Funeral Assistance for Floridians Who Have Lost Loved Ones Due to COVID-19

FEMA to Begin Accepting Applications This Week for Program Rep. Lawson Helped Create in American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) today announced that FEMA has begun accepting applications for funeral assistance for Floridians who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Rep. Lawson helped to pass the funeral assistance program as part of the American Rescue Plan. 

Residents who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, for an individual whose death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19 can apply for up to $9,000 of assistance per funeral. Individuals may apply for assistance for multiple funerals.

“While no amount of money can heal the loss of a loved one, this grant program can help ease the financial strain put on so many of our families during these already challenging times,” Rep. Lawson said. 

The applicant responsible for COVID-19 funeral expenses will need to provide the following information when they call FEMA to register for assistance.

  • Social Security number for the applicant and the deceased individual
  • Date of birth for the applicant and the deceased individual
  • Current mailing address for the applicant
  • Current telephone number for the applicant
  • Location or address where the deceased individual passed away
  • Information about burial or funeral insurance policies
  • Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations
  • CARES Act grants and assistance from voluntary organizations
  • Routing and account number of the applicant’s checking or savings account (for direct deposit, if requested)

To apply, contact FEMA’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 AM ET - 9 PM ET.

For more information, visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq. No online applications will be accepted. 

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