U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez formally launched the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) hotline, on April 12, to help pay for the funeral and burial of COVID-hit families. Schumer and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez explained how New York families can apply for these dollars and the items they need to submit to FEMA.
Schumer and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez said that families across New York, particularly those in communities of color and low-income communities like Corona, Queens, which was the epicenter of the crisis early on, have already paid the ultimate price amid the pandemic and that these special FEMA funds will help alleviate some of the pain in being unable to afford or give a proper burial and funeral to a loved one.
“Too many families and friends across New York have paid the ultimate price with the tragic loss of their loved ones to the coronavirus. The economic upheaval and added financial strain of this pandemic makes the added cost of funerals and burials unbearable for so many who have already lost so much. This historic use of FEMA’s funeral assistance program is much needed aid to those who need it most, and that is why Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and I worked so hard to deliver this with FEMA—and we got it done. Now that the details are finalized and the hotline LIVE, we are working to get the word out, to make sure eligible families know to submit an application, how to prepare, and that help is available through a dedicated 800 number,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.
“This effort began over a year ago when community leaders in NY-14 flagged the disparate impact of COVID-19 in working-class areas, compounded with the devastating economic impact of funeral expenses. I’m so relieved that soon our families will finally be able to access relief, and I’m grateful to FEMA for working with Senator Schumer and I to make this program inclusive, generous and easily accessible,” said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez.
Schumer and Ocasio-Cortez also explained that they were able to increase the maximum financial assistance to $9,000 per funeral and that the hotline to apply for fed funds is: 844-684-6333. Additionally, FEMA will only award COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for a deceased individual on a single application. If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should register under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. The applicant or co-applicant must have incurred the funeral expenses. The deceased individual’s documentation status is not considered as part of the reimbursement process, but the applicant(s) must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, asylees, refugees, or non-citizen nationals.
Specifically, the applicant must provide the following documents:
1) a copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely a result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.
2) proof of funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
Eligible funeral expenses include but are not limited to:
· Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
· Transfer of remains
· Casket or urn
· Burial plot or cremation niche
· Marker or headstone
· Clergy or officiant services
· Arrangement of the funeral ceremony
· Use of funeral home equipment or staff
· Cremation or interment costs
AOC has long been rumored to be interested in running against Sen. Schumer, who is now the Majority Leader of the US Senate and one of the most powerful elected officials in Washington. Schumer is up for re-election next year, 2021, in New York State.
