RESOURCES

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Earlier this year, Congress passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, providing assistance to families for funeral expenses due to COVID-19 deaths after January 20, 2020. Due to the number of inquiries received, Adams Funeral Home and Crematory has put together this helpful guide for our families.

WILL FEMA PAY FOR MY LOVED ONE’S FUNERAL?

Unfortunately, FEMA will only reimburse money already spent for the funeral services of a Loved One. FEMA will not pay the funeral bill for you. As a result, Adams Funeral Home cannot accept this future reimbursement as payment for your Loved One’s Funeral.
HOW MUCH WILL FEMA REIMBURSE?

FEMA will reimburse families up to $9,000 per funeral. FEMA will not reimburse funds from burial insurance or preneed policies, nor will they reimburse funeral payments from voluntary or government agencies.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS?
Eligibility is determined by the following:
1. The death must have occurred in the United States or its territories.
2. The death certificate must include COVID-19 as a cause of death.
3. The person applying must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
WHEN & HOW CAN I APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT?

FEMA will begin accepting application on Monday, April 12, 2021. To apply, please call the toll-free number below:

Toll-free: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
WHAT DOCUMENTATION WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
When the application process opens, FEMA will require certain documents to process your reimbursement. We recommend gathering these documents early so you will be ready to apply. You will need the following:
1. A certified copy of the death certificate that shows COVID-19 as a cause of death. If you do not have a certified copy, you may purchase one from your local health department. In Missouri, these cost $14.
2. Proof of expenses. This includes the funeral contract and any other relevant receipts for incurred expenses.
3. 3. Proof of funds from other sources to pay for the funeral. This excludes burial or funeral insurance as well as any financial assistance received from voluntary or government agencies.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE?

Currently, there is no deadline for the application process.
MY LOVED ONE DIED OF COVID-19, BUT THEIR DEATH CERTIFICATE DOESN’T LIST IT AS A CAUSE OF DEATH. WHAT DO I DO?

Call your Loved One’s doctor. While a death certificate’s cause of death section can be amended, the funeral home cannot do it. You will have to contact the signing doctor and ask them to amend the certificate.