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Dear neighbor,

Over this past year countless people have been lost to COVID-19 - including my very own mother Pauline Bowman. In addition to mourning, friends and family must pay for funeral expenses which has created a financial strain for many in addition to coping with the financial implications of a global pandemic. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will begin reimbursing families for COVID related funeral expenses this coming Monday, April 12th. Thank you to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Schumer for their work to make this program a reality. Their leadership will ensure families do not have to endure any more hardship. 

The maximum reimbursement offered through FEMA will be $9,000 per burial. In order to apply, you will need to provide documentation that includes a funeral contract, receipt, and more. For more details, please click here. A list of required documents can be found below  as well. As always, my office is here to help, please reach out to one of my offices at the number below if you have any questions and/or concerns. 

List of required documents: 

• Official death certificate attributing the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

• Funeral expenses documents, such as receipts or a funeral home contract, that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.

• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Hot Line: 844-684-6333 or TTY: 800-462-7585

Please continue to stay healthy and remember to wear a mask.

Kind regards, 

Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)