FEMA Funeral Assistance

FEMA to Provide Assistance with Funeral Costs for COVID-19-Related Deaths

The staff at Alderson- Ford Funeral Homes would like the citizens of the Greater Waterbury, Naugatuck Valley and Cheshire communities to be aware, that beginning in April, families that experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Two pieces of legislation recently passed by Congress – the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to families that incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

“This has been an extraordinarily difficult year as hundreds of thousands of families throughout the country have unexpectedly had to plan a funeral when a loved one died of COVID-19,” said Dan Ford, the firms’ President. “Our hearts are with, not only the families we have served, but everyone in this community who is grieving the death of a loved one or friend due to the pandemic. While this assistance cannot take away their pain and grief, it will make a tremendous difference by enabling them to meaningfully honor the life of their loved one and lay them to rest with dignity.”

The FEMA website has complete information about eligibility requirements, documentation applicants will be required to provide, and how to start the application process. Visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance/faq

Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral and memorial services, and burial, interment or cremation. In April, a dedicated 800-number will be established to help individuals who apply. FEMA encourages families that may be eligible to start gathering the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
• Funeral expense documents (e.g., receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance; financial assistance received from voluntary agencies; federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies; or other sources.

If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant(s). Applicants can also apply for assistance for more than one individual who died.

“FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance covers eligible expenses for the services you’ve already paid for when your loved one died,” said Ford. “And, as our community becomes safer, your family may choose to plan a memorial service in your loved one’s honor that all of your family and friends can attend – something that many families are finding to be a meaningful experience. Those expenses may also be eligible.”

While families can apply for assistance at any time, if they do wish to have a memorial service when it is safe to do so, FEMA recommends waiting until after all services have been contracted to avoid the hassle of amending an initial application.New Paragraph

As a cornerstone in the Waterbury, Cheshire, and Naugatuck communities, and as leaders during times of tragedy and uncertainty, let us assure you that your family’s health and safety is our number one priority. Many of you have reached out asking how Alderson Ford Funeral Homes is ensuring that our community is safe at funerals. We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, and following CDC, state, and local health guidelines for funeral homes. Here’s what you need to know:

• We are diligent in our response to ensure the well-being of our staff, the families we serve, and the greater Connecticut community. At this point, services are continuing – with modifications.
• We have hand sanitizer, tissues, and hand soap available throughout our funeral home.
• If your family needs to meet with our staff, we can do so by phone or email if you would feel more comfortable.
• At a funeral, it is natural to show you care by shaking hands, hugging, and gathering close together. We are reminding everyone to limit personal contact and give appropriate distance to others in attendance.
• We are diligently cleaning all high-touch surfaces, including all door handles, faucets, countertops, toilets, and water fountains. 
• If you are feeling sick, stay home while keeping in mind there will be opportunities in the future to visit with loved ones and express condolences.
• We will monitor the number of individuals congregating in our rooms. If this number exceeds what is recommended, we will kindly move those in attendance to less crowded areas.
• We are trained, educated, and responsible when handling those who have died. Let us assure you that we are providing the same dignified and exceptional care we are known for – now and in the days ahead.
• Funeral or memorial services held at Alderson Ford Funeral Homes can be live-streamed or recorded and viewed later. This allows families to pay tribute to their loved one with the opportunity for others to watch remotely from the comfort of home.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented time. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we will support one another, showing yet again the strength and resolve of our wonderful community.