Texas Border Business
MCALLEN, Texas– Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced today that FEMA has begun accepting applications for funeral assistance for Texans who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19. Congressman Gonzalez helped pass the funeral assistance program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.
- 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, 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET – 8 PM CT / 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 Central and South Texans who’ve suffered so much from COVID-19,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I’ll continue to support programs and fight for resources to provide relief for families impacted by the pandemic.”
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, 8 AM CT / 9 AM ET – 8 PM CT / 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)
Texans can learn more from FEMA HERE.
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