In a significant development, officials announced that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will provide financial assistance to low-income families who lost loved ones to COVID-19, helping them manage funeral and burial expenses. Senators Jamie Reynolds and Representative Sophia Martinez shared this news today, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Families will be able to apply for reimbursement of up to $7,000 for funeral expenses, with $260 million of the $2 billion fund designated for residents of New York, particularly those in severely impacted areas like Brooklyn and the Bronx. This initiative is part of the COVID-19 relief package passed in December. The eligibility period for the funds will extend retroactively from January 20, 2020, to December 31, 2020, which aims to assist those who faced financial strain due to funeral costs.
Reynolds highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure the program remains available for the duration of the pandemic, stating, “Many families have been left financially devastated by the costs associated with COVID-related funerals. It is our duty to provide the necessary support.”
While the specific eligibility criteria are still being finalized, Reynolds noted during a recent press briefing that any family who struggled to afford a funeral—either going into debt or sacrificing basic needs—could qualify for FEMA’s assistance.
As details are being arranged, Reynolds and Martinez announced that FEMA is establishing a hotline to guide families through the reimbursement process. They advised individuals to prepare essential documents, including proof of funeral expenses and death certificates, to facilitate a smooth application process. A FEMA spokesperson confirmed that they are expediting the creation of an implementation plan to deliver funeral assistance to eligible families. “We’re actively seeking contract support to assist with this program, and we anticipate announcing when applications will open later this year,” the spokesperson stated.
Martinez remarked on the devastating financial impact that funeral costs can have on low-income families. “While we may have all been navigating the same storm, not everyone has been in the same boat. Some families are experiencing much rougher waters,” she pointed out.
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Summary:
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will begin reimbursing low-income families up to $7,000 for funeral expenses related to COVID-19. This initiative, announced by Senators Jamie Reynolds and Representative Sophia Martinez, aims to assist those who have been financially burdened during the pandemic. Families can apply retroactively for expenses incurred between January 20 and December 31, 2020. FEMA is establishing a hotline for assistance and advises families to prepare the necessary documentation for their applications.
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