(By Fire Chief Matt Love) We are pleased to share that as of April 12, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is accepting applications to assist individuals and families with funeral costs in the event they have lost a loved one from COVID-19.
This assistance is being provided under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
In order to qualify for the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance the following criteria must be met:
– The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the
District of Columbia.
– The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
– 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.
– For more information visit their website.
You can also call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number at 844-684-6333.
We hope that you have not been faced with the loss of a loved one during this difficult pandemic, but if you have, this information may be helpful for you and your family.
We wish you all a safe and healthy week.
Matt Love has been the Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief since 2016. In 2019 he was selected by the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Lee County Florida as Fire Chief of the Year. He can be reached at the fire department at 239- 590-4200