- More than 130,000 Americans have applied for COVID-19 funeral assistance, FEMA said Friday.
- Americans who lost loved ones to the coronavirus can receive up to $35,500.
- The aid money was included in Democrats' $1.9 trillion stimulus package.
In less than two weeks, more than 130,000 Americans have already applied for COVID-19 funeral assistance from the US government, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday.
Under a program included in Democrats' $1.9 trillion stimulus package, people who lost a loved one to the coronavirus are eligible to receive up to $9,000 in reimbursement for the costs of burying or cremating them. Each applicant is eligible to receive up to $35,500 in total.
According to FEMA, over $16,000 has been dispersed, as of April 22.
The agency began processing applications by phone — (844) 684-6333 — on April 12. Those seeking reimbursement must provide a copy of an official death certificate and any related receipts. Covered expenses include the cost of transferring remains, the purchase of a casket or urn, as well as clergy or other funeral services.
More than 571,000 people in the US have now died from the coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University.
There is no cap on how much money FEMA will ultimately disperse and no deadline to apply.
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