More than 500,000 people across the nation have died from COVID-19, affecting thousands of families. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin reimbursing those families for their loved ones’ funeral costs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families,” the FEMA website says. “At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are 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 funeral expenses for those who have died from COVID-19.

To be eligible, the funeral expenses must have incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 and the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

FEMA will begin accepting applications in April. To be eligible for the funding, they are asking for an official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19, funeral expense documents including receipts or funeral home contracts, and proof of any other assistance received for the funeral like burial or funeral insurance.

If eligible, FEMA will send a check by mail or direct deposit.

Check the FEMA website for updates: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.