Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced that FEMA has started accepting applications for funeral assistance for Floridians who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. The funeral assistance program is part of the American Rescue Plan recently passed by Frankel and Democratic colleagues in Congress. To date more than 34,000 Floridians have been lost to COVID-19.

“The pandemic has hit our families hard,” said Rep. Frankel. “While no amount of money can take the place of a spouse, a grandparent, or a child, this assistance will help alleviate the financial strain for the families who lost loved ones to COVID-19.”

Floridians 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 through FEMA’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 AM ET - 9 PM ET. No online applications will be accepted.

Who Can Apply for Assistance?

• You may qualify if: You are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, and the funeral expenses were for an individual whose death in the United States, territories or the District of Columbia, may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19.
• Individuals may apply for assistance for multiple funerals.

How do Floridians Apply?

• FEMA’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 AM ET - 9 PM ET. No online applications will be accepted. Multilingual services will be available.

What Information do Floridians Need to Provide?

The applicant responsible for COVID-19 funeral expenses will need to provide the following information below when they call FEMA to register for assistance. FEMA recommends gathering this information ahead of the application process.

• 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)

Floridians can learn more from FEMA here.

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