Rep. Harder Announces Funeral Assistance for Families Who Lost Loved Ones to COVID-19

WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Rep. Joshua Harder, D-California, issued the following news release:

Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for funeral assistance of up to $9,000 per funeral and up to $35,000 total for Central Valley families who lost loved ones to COVID-19. Rep. Harder helped pass the funeral assistance program as part of the American Rescue Plan.

"In our community alone more than 1,000 of our loved ones have died due to COVID-19. Each and every one of those deaths is a tragedy, and every family suffering deserves help," said Rep. Harder. "This funding won't do nearly enough for the families mourning loved ones, but I hope it helps defray funeral costs and allows our community to mourn those we've lost with respect and dignity."

Central Valley families who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, for an individual whose death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19 can apply for up to $9,000 of assistance per funeral and up to $35,000 total through FEMA's dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 6 AM PT - 3 PM PT. No online applications will be accepted.

Who Can Apply for Assistance?

* You may qualify if: You are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, and the funeral expenses were for an individual whose death in the United States, territories or the District of Columbia, may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19.

* Individuals may apply for assistance for multiple funerals.

How do Central Valley Families Apply?

* FEMA's dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 AM ET - 9 PM ET. No online applications will be accepted. Multilingual services will be available.

What Information do Applicants Need to Provide?

The applicant responsible for COVID-19 funeral expenses will need to provide the following information below when they call FEMA to register for assistance. FEMA recommends gathering this information ahead of the application process.

* 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)