FEMA says it is getting thousands of calls about its new funeral-assistance program.
What You Need To Know
- Families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 can apply for assistance with funeral costs
- Funeral expenses must have been incurred after January 20 of last year
- LINK: FEMA explains program guidelines, asks callers to be patient
The program launched earlier this month, and apparently the large volume of calls is causing technical issues.
FEMA is asking callers to be patient.
Under the program, families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 can apply for assistance with funeral costs. Participants can apply for up to $9,000 in assistance per burial.
To be eligible, the death must have occurred in the U.S. or its territories.
Funeral expenses must have been incurred after January 20 of last year.
Also, COVID-19 or coronavirus-like symptoms have to be listed on the death certificate as a cause or likely cause of death.
The applicant has to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, but the person who died does not have to meet that requirement.