Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said April 15 that FEMA has begun accepting applications for funeral assistance for Mainers who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19 as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Mainers 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 a.m. ET - 9 a.m. ET. No online applications will be accepted. 

“My heart goes out to Mainers who have lost loved ones due to this horrific virus. While this program will not heal that pain, it is an important step in easing the financial stress of grieving Maine families,” said Pingree.

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 Mainers Apply?

• FEMA’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. ET - 9 p.m. ET. No online applications will be accepted. Multilingual services will be available.

What Information do Mainers 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)