Washington | Charlotte Laracy, DC Press Secretary (202-226-1583); Alexis Torres, District Press Secretary (956-286-6007),
April 15, 2021
Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that FEMA has begun accepting applications for funeral assistance for Texans who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19. Congressman Cuellar helped pass the funeral assistance program as part of the American Rescue Plan.
Texans 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.
“While no amount of money can heal the loss of a loved one, this grant program can help ease the financial strain on Texans who’ve suffered so much from COVID-19,” said Congressman Cuellar.
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 do Texans 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 Texans 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)
