Since starting to provide COVID-19 funeral assistance in April 2021, FEMA has provided more than $1.8 billion to approximately 274,000 people. While there is no deadline to apply for this assistance, in April, FEMA will begin placing applications that remain incomplete after at least 365 days in a suspended status.
This change allows the agency to focus attention on individuals who intend to finalize their application and avoids repeated contact to anyone who may no longer wish to continue this process. They can reactivate their application, without appeal, by submitting the required documents.
After someone initially applies for COVID-19 funeral assistance, FEMA sends reminders to them to submit their documentation throughout the application process. The agency also reaches out by phone to anyone with an incomplete application to address any concerns in completing their application.
Beginning this month, FEMA will notify applicants who have not submitted all required information and documentation that their applications will be moved to a suspended status 365 days after they initially applied for assistance. Notifications will be sent to applicants via auto-dialer by phone, email or text message up to 60 days in advance of the 365-day submission deadline. Applicants who still do not provide all documentation within this timeframe will receive a letter from FEMA informing them their application for COVID-19 funeral assistance is in a suspended status.
To apply for assistance or ask questions about an existing application, individuals are encouraged to call 844-684-6333, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday – Friday, ET. Multilingual services are available. Callers who use a relay service, such as a videophone, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service.
Applicants may also visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov for eligibility information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:
- Congressional Affairs at 202-646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
- Intergovernmental Affairs at 202-646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
- Tribal Affairs at 202-646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
- Private Sector Engagement at 202-646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov
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Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on Twitter, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.
Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
FEMA Mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.