FEMA to begin reimbursing families for COVID-19 funeral expenses
EL PASO, Texas (CBS4) — Across El Paso County, more than 2,300 people have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Aside from families having to deal with the grief of losing their loved ones, many have had to dish out thousands of dollars to pay for funeral expenses.
“They weren’t expecting their loved one to pass away and then having to come up with the financial backing to cover the funeral cost was very difficult for these families during this time,” Christopher Lujan, a manager with Sunset Funeral Homes.
Beginning in April, FEMA will begin reimbursing families for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
“When you’re talking about somebody passing away at 30 years old 40 years old, most of these families aren’t prepared for that,” said Lujan.
Families could receive up to $7,000 to offset funeral costs.
For the latest updates on COVID-19 in our area and around the world, head to our coronavirus section.
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