We at Hitzeman Funeral Home want the Community to be aware, that beginning on April 12, 2021, families that experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Two pieces of legislation recently passed by Congress – the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to families that incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
Hitzeman Funeral Home, has provided traditional services from the beginning of this pandemic and throughout this most challenging year. We know firsthand how extraordinarily difficult this year has been for our families, friends and the community that had lost a loved one from the Coronavirus.
Please know that our hearts are with you, not only for the families we have served, but everyone in this community who is grieving the death of a loved one or friend. While FEMA’s assistance cannot take away your pain and grief, it can make a tremendous difference by providing you with financial relief or provide support to honor the life of your loved one.
Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral and memorial services, and burial, interment or cremation. On April 12, 2021, a dedicated 800-number will be established to help individuals who apply. FEMA encourages families that may be eligible to start gathering the following documentation:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
- Funeral expense documents (e.g., receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance; financial assistance received from voluntary agencies; federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies; or other sources.
- If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant(s). Applicants can also apply for assistance for more than one individual who died.
FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance covers eligible expenses for the services you’ve already contracted and paid for. While families can apply for assistance at any time, if they do wish to have a memorial service when it is safe to do so, FEMA recommends waiting until after all services have been contracted to avoid the hassle of amending an initial application.
The FEMA website has complete information about eligibility requirements, documentation applicants will be required to provide, and how to start the application process. Visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.
If there is anything we can do to assist families with the application process – please call us at 708-485-2000. Our staff can also speak with you at any time about planning a memorial service for your loved one when you feel it is safe to do so.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Application Hotline
P: 844-684-6333
TTY: 800-462-7585
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 8:00pm CST
