The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced last week that it has distributed over $2.7 billion to help Americans pay for the funerals of more than 441,000 who have died from COVID-19. 

What You Need To Know

  • FEMA announced last week that it has distributed over $2.7 billion to help Americans pay for the funerals of more than 441,000 who have died from COVID-19

  • The top five states account for nearly $1 billion in aid: Texas ($253.5 million) California ($225 million), New York ($207 million), Florida ($159 million) and Pennsylvania ($139.7 million)

  • Click here for more information on the FEMA program

More than one million Americans have died from COVID-19. FEMA has helped pay funeral and cemetery costs for the families of more than 441,000 people who have died from COVID-19. 

The top five states account for nearly $1 billion in aid: Texas ($253.5 million) California ($225 million), New York ($207 million), Florida ($159 million) and Pennsylvania ($139.7 million).

In Florida, there have been more than 80,000 COVID deaths​, and more than 35,000 applications have been sent to the federal agency for funeral assistance. Texas has approved more than 39,000 applications out of more than 48,000 who applied. New York saw more than 30,000 awards out of more than 37,000 applicants, and California saw more than 35,000 applicants see funding. 

U.S. Citizens or certain non-citizens who incurred funeral expenses for a loved one who died from COVID may qualify for up to $9,000 per funeral or $35,500 if they have paid for multiple COVID-related funerals.​ According to FEMA, the average award is $6,500.

Applicants must call 844-684-6333, and applications cannot be submitted online, per the agency. Applications are still being accepted and FEMA said it does not yet have a cut-off date for the program.