Aid Available For COVID Funeral Costs

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  NEW JERSEY – Part of the American Rescue Plan is the ability for people to apply for aid for funeral expenses for someone whose death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19.

  “While I wish I did not have to send this email and realize that no amount of money can heal the loss of a loved one, I want to let you know about a helpful FEMA grant program,” Congressman Andy Kim (D-3rd) wrote to residents.

  People can apply for up to $9,000 for funeral expenses that took places after January 20, 2020.

  To apply, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Multilingual services are available. There is no online application.

  There are a lot of people calling FEMA these days so if you don’t get through, Kim recommended calling another day since there is no deadline to apply. He also urged people to visit his website if there are questions about this program or if you need other kinds of aid: kim.house.gov

  Sadly, you can apply for assistance for multiple funerals.

  In order to apply, you must have:

• 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)