San Juan, Puerto Rico – With only 1,528 applicants registered for FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance to date, FEMA is urging those who paid for funeral expenses due to the coronavirus, and have not applied, to do so NOW.
“The Government of Puerto Rico reports more than 3,246 deceased due to the coronavirus, and that is why we are encouraging every person who covered funeral expenses that yet need to apply for this assistance, to call today”, said Idamis De Jesus, Individual Assistance lead of FEMA Caribbean Area Office in PR. “So far, we have approved over $2.8 million to help with these expenses. Share this information, if you or someone you know, had funeral expenses related to COVID-19.”
Call 844-684-6333 to apply for FEMA COVID-19 funeral assistance. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. FEMA is only accepting applications via phone call. The phoneline is available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday.
Once registered, FEMA will send the applicant a Request for Information (RFI) which outlines all the documentation needed to process the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application. For further information, applicants can also visit the frequently asked questions section in FEMA’s website at: FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.