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WASHINGTON—Representatives Paul D. Tonko announced today that applications are now being accepted for funeral assistance for New Yorkers who have lost a relative to COVID-19. Tonko helped establish this program as part of the American Rescue Plan recently passed by Congress and signed into law.

“No amount of money can heal the loss of a loved one,” Congressman Tonko said. “While we cannot erase that pain, we can help those facing the added financial strain during this dark time. This funeral assistance program is here to help New Yorkers and all Americans access needed relief and lessen the economic burden they have had to carry during this prolonged pandemic.”

New Yorkers 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 through 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.

During the first day of the program, the FEMA hotline received more than 1 million calls, which has caused some technical issues. Applicants are encouraged to call again later if they receive a busy signal or their call doesn’t connect. There is no deadline to apply.

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 New Yorkers 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)

Learn more about the program from FEMA HERE.

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