FEMA launches nationwide program to help people pay for COVID-19 funeral costs

The federal government in early April will start offering financial assistance to help cover funeral costs for people who have died of COVID-19.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide up to $9,000 per funeral and up to $35,500 per applicant to help with expenses related to coronavirus deaths that occurred after January 20, 2020, the agency said on Wednesday. "At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters," Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton said in a statement. "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate."