FEMA Funeral Assistance

Our deepest condolences on your recent loss.

If your family member was potentially a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, directly or indirectly, and may qualify for federal Funeral Assistance from FEMA.

As a result of recent federal relief legislation, FEMA is providing Funeral Assistance up to $9,000 in funeral assistance to qualified families who have incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

FEMA Funeral Assistance covers expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation. Eligible services include a wide range of funeral-related services, such as transportation of up to two people for identification; transfer of remains; casket or urn; burial plot or cremation niche; marker or headstone; clergy or officiant services; arrangement of the funeral ceremony; use of funeral home equipment or staff; interment; costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates; and additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.

In order to apply for this relief, you will need three types of documentation:

  • An official death certificate attributing the death, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19. A death certificate stating the death “may have been caused by” or was “likely the result of” COVID-19 is sufficient, and death certificates not specifying this information may be amended, if qualified.
  • Proof of funeral expenses. We are happy to assist you by providing copies of this information from our funeral home.
  • If your family received funds specifically for funeral costs, these must be disclosed and will offset the FEMA benefit.

For more information and/or to determine if your family qualifies for Funeral Assistance from FEMA, you can visit FEMA’s site.

While FEMA makes the final determination on who is qualified and of any award amount, we are happy to help assist you through the process. We recommend you visit FEMA’s website initially. Contact us if you have any further questions after you have reviewed the information provided by FEMA.

On-Call 24 hours Business Office: 602 W 10th Street, Erie, PA 16502