FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program
This bulletin is being sent to local health officers, tribal health directors, public health nurses and staff, healthcare emergency readiness coalition coordinators, and key DPH staff.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Congress authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide financial assistance to individuals who incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. FEMA began accepting applications April 12, 2021.
Since the pandemic began, over 6,700 Wisconsinites have lost their lives due to COVID-19. This program will help ease some of the financial stress and burden their families and loved ones have experienced.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will be reaching out to those identified as having lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Those individuals will be provided with the enclosed fact sheet with information about the program and how to apply for funeral assistance.
In order to qualify for assistance, applicants will need to provide a certified death certificate. It is illegal in the state of Wisconsin to reproduce (copy, scan & upload, fax, etc.) a death certificate. Applicants must obtain a certified death certificate from their local county Register of Deeds office, and physically mail it to FEMA.
Funeral directors have been briefed on the assistance plan and are willing to help. They are aware of the rules and procedures in individual jurisdictions and are a good resource to direct families to about specific reimbursement questions.
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