Funeral assistance for COVID-19 deaths
Apr. 27—There are several people in Cass County that can benefit from the new COVID-19 funeral expense assistance, said Cass County Coroner George Franklin Jr.
As part of the federal COVID-19 relief package, people can now get reimbursed up to $9,000 per funeral related to that coronavirus with up to $35,000 per application for multiple deaths during the pandemic, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's assistance program.
Franklin said he's talked to funeral directors in Cass and found that there have been a few families that have multiple deaths.
He also knows that $9,000 makes a difference for many people and wants to get word of the program out.
"I'm committed. I really want to take care of the people of Cass County," he said.
The assistance program won't reimburse money for those who've had burial insurance, for money that the military gives to veterans' funerals, for money Social Security gives towards funerals or for pre-paid funerals, he said.
Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation that aren't already covered,
Franklin and local funeral directors are willing to work with survivors to get the grant if they are eligible.
The FEMA website states that to qualify for funeral assistance:
—The death must have occurred in the United States, the U.S. territories or the District of Columbia.
—The death certificate must attribute the death to COVID-19.
—The applicant/survivor must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.
"If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant," Franklin stated.
FEMA will also consider documentation from people not listed as the applicant and co-applicant on the official form but who incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased.
To apply for the FEMA assistance, people should have some paperwork ready, especially the proof of death and cause of death.
The official death certificate will need to attribute the death to COVID-19 and show that it occurred in the United States, and it needs to indicate the death "may have been caused by" or "was likely the result of" COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.
"Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution," Franklin stated.
Assistance applicants should also have documents showing funeral expense documents, such as receipts and funeral home contracts.
Documentation also needs to include the applicant's name, the deceased individual's name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
For more information about the assistance plan, visit COVID19FuneralAssistanceFEMA.gov or call 800-684-6333.
Franklin stated that those who need help may also call him at 574-992-1311.
Reach James D. Wolf Jr. at james.wolf@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5117
Twitter @JamesDWolfJr
