NEW YORK (WBEN) — The federal government is now providing funeral benefits for those who lost loved ones to COVID-19.
Federal Emergency Management Agency's funeral assistance program will cover or reimburse up to $9,000 in funeral expenses, including caskets and burials.
Sen. Chuck Schumer announced Monday that the hotline to apply for the funding is now available and can be reached by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Peter Haskell/WCBS 880
Schumer made the announcement in Corona, Queens — one of the hardest hit communities.
They urge New Yorkers to get their paperwork together, make the call and secure the federal dollars.
"Too many families and friends across New York have paid the ultimate price with the tragic loss of their loved ones to the coronavirus," Schumer said. "The economic upheaval and added financial strain of this pandemic makes the added cost of funerals and burials unbearable for so many who have already lost so much. This historic use of FEMA's funeral assistance program is much needed aid to those who need it most."
Schumer said the program covers future and past expenses.
"From Jan. 20 of last year to Dec. 31 of the past year can get reimbursed," Schumer said.
According to FEMA, to be eligible for the funeral assistance the death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
COVID-19 must also be listed on the death certificate.
The deceased individual's documentation status is not considered as part of the reimbursement process, but the applicant must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, asylees, refugees, or non-citizen nationals, according to a release from Schumer's office.
There is no deadline to apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance.
FACT SHEET:
FEMA Funeral Fact Sheet by Marta on Scribd
