Pappas Announces COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, Holds Information Session

MANCHESTER, NH – Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced today that FEMA has 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.

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.

"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 constituents may have about access to these and other federal COVID-19 resources."

On Thursday, April 22nd, Congressman Pappas will hold a virtual information session with leadership from the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association and local leaders to answer questions and raise awareness about this program.

Interested First District residents can RSVP here.

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)

Granite Staters can learn more from FEMA HERE.