Information was recently presented to the Fayette County Commissioners’ office regarding FEMA financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to families. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

According to a document explaining the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, “at FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.”

To be eligible for funeral assistance, the following conditions must be met:

—The death must have occurred in the U.S.

—The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to or caused by COVID-19.

—The applicant must be a US citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.

—There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.

Examples of eligible expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation may include, but are not limited to:

—Transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual

—The transfer of remains, a casket or urn

—A burial plot or cremation niche

—A marker or headstone

—Clergy or officiant services

—The arrangement of a funeral ceremony

—the use of funeral home equipment or staff

—Cremation or interment costs

—Costs associated with producing multiple death certificates

Information that must be provided to FEMA to apply include:

—The applicant’s name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone number(s)

—The name, social security number and date of birth for each deceased individual

—The location or address where the deceased individual passed away

—Documentation and receipts for any assistance already received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, voluntary agencies, other government programs or non-profit organizations

—If the applicant and another person both incurred funeral expenses for the same deceased individual(s), the applicant can also provide that person as a co-applicant: include their name, social security number and date of birth on the application.

For more information, visit FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq or call the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333. For fastest service after applying, documentation can be submitted online through Disasterassistance.gov.