MANCHESTER – U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a virtual information session with the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association to answer questions and raise awareness about the new COVID-19 funeral assistance program run through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Pappas is reminding Granite Staters that FEMA has now begun accepting applications for funeral assistance for Granite Staters who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19.

Rep. Pappas helped pass this program as part of the American Rescue Plan.

“Nothing can erase the pain and suffering of Granite Staters who have lost loved ones because of this pandemic,” said Congressman Pappas. “But this funeral assistance program from FEMA, passed through the American Rescue Plan, will help make the financial burden faced by families more manageable at a time when they are already experiencing profound loss. My office is ready to help constituents take advantage of this program and are able to answer questions they may have about accessing these and other federal COVID-19 resources.”

New Hampshire residents who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, for an individual whose death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19 can apply for up to $9,000 of assistance per funeral.

Who Can Apply for Assistance?

You may qualify if: You are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who paid for funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, and the funeral expenses were for an individual whose death in the United States, territories or the District of Columbia, may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19. Individuals may apply for assistance for multiple funerals.

How Can Granite Staters Apply?

FEMA’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 AM ET – 9 PM ET. No online applications will be accepted. Multilingual services will be available.

What Information do Granite Staters Need to Provide?

The applicant responsible for COVID-19 funeral expenses will need to provide the following information below when they call FEMA to register for assistance.

FEMA recommends gathering this information ahead of the application process:

Social Security number for the applicant and the deceased individual

Date of birth for the applicant and the deceased individual

Current mailing address for the applicant

Current telephone number for the applicant

Location or address where the deceased individual passed away

Information about burial or funeral insurance policies

Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations

CARES Act grants and assistance from voluntary organizations

Routing and account number of the applicant’s checking or savings account (for direct deposit, if requested)

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