U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced today that FEMA has begun accepting applications for funeral assistance for New Jerseyans who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Rep. Pascrell helped pass the funeral assistance program as part of the American Rescue Plan last month.

“This pandemic has taken too many of our friends, family, and neighbors,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Today I am announcing that the federal government will begin providing financial assistance to those who have lost someone to COVID-19 to cover funeral costs. While no amount of money can ever heal the loss of a loved one, this federal grant program can help ease the financial strain on New Jerseyans who have already suffered so much.”

New Jerseyans 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 through 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.

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 to 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 Applicants 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)

More information on the funeral assistance program is available HERE.