Financial assistance is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 to eligible applicants. 

Financial assistance may also be available from the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to meet funeral expenses for a low-income New York City resident who passed away. Applicants must apply, if eligible, for FEMA benefits before applying for HRA benefits.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 to eligible applicants. 

To be eligible for FEMA funeral assistance, you must meet the following conditions:

  • The death must have occurred in the United States,
  • The death certificate must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19 or be accompanied by a signed statement listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death, and
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

Get more information about FEMA funeral assistance.

Required Documents

You will need the following documentation to apply: 

  • An official Death Certificate
    • Please note: only the following relations to the deceased can request both the death certificate and the cause of death: 
      • ​Spouse
      • Domestic partner
      • Parent
      • Child
      • Sibling
      • Grandparent
      • Grandchild
      • Informant listed on the certificate
      • Person in control of disposition
  • Funeral expenses documents (such as receipts or a funeral home contract)
  • Proof of funds received from other sources

For deaths that occurred after May 16, 2020, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

For deaths that occurred from January 20 to May 16, 2020, any death certificate that does not attribute the cause of death to COVID-19 must be accompanied by a signed statement listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death. The signed statement must:

  • Be provided by the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred, and
  • Provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate to COVID-19.

Apply

You can apply by phone.

  • Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Division: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line
  • Phone Number: (844) 684-6333
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 9 PM
  • Call volume is often high. If you don't get through, call back later.

Financial assistance from the Human Resources Administration (HRA) may be available for up to $1,700 to meet funeral expenses for a low-income New York City resident who passed away.

Eligible burial expenses may not cost more than $3,400.

Get an Application

You can get an application for benefits that includes written instructions.

Online

Download the burial claims application.

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Division: Funeral Assistance
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
  • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ways to Apply

You can submit your completed application:

By Email

BurialServices@hra.nyc.gov

In Person or By Mail

NYC HRA Office of Burial Services
33-28 Northern Boulevard, 3rd Floor 
Long Island City, NY 11101
Business Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM

By Fax

(917) 639-0476

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