COVID-19 FEMA Funeral Reimbursement Program

February 1^st, 2022

Dear Families,

              We know that this pandemic has truly taken us all by storm. Serving your family during these times has been with honor and pray that you have found some comfort through the services that were provided. In our efforts to serve our families beyond the date of final disposition, we have some important information to share with you. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has implemented a Funeral Assistance Program. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020.This program is reimbursing funeral expenses up to $9,000; only available to persons who died from COVID-19 and is notated on the deceased’s death certificate as the cause of death.

              As with any federal funding, it will be exhausted soon. We are encouraging all of our families who have pre-qualified based on our records, to please apply now. You can apply for this reimbursement assistance even if the funeral was covered by an insurance policy. The bill must be paid in full and understand that this is not a funding program but a reimbursement program. No more than two persons can apply for the reimbursement per descendant and must be on one application. Enclosed in this letter, you will find the FEMA Pre-Call Checklist. Please take the time to ensure that you have all the necessary items before you make the call. If you need any assistance, please call our AfterCare Team at (803)649-6123, we’d be happy to help.

              Again, thank you for allowing us to serve your family. Your patronage to Jackson-Brooks means so much to us. If there is ever anything we can do, please know that we are only one call away. Please stay safe during this pandemic; mask-up & practice social-distancing.

Warmest Regards,

Kevin B.

AfterCare Specialist

Jackson-Brooks Funeral Home, Inc.

FEMA Pre-Call Checklist

COVID-19 FUNERAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION INFORMATION

844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Friday | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time

If you are applying for FEMA’s COVID-19 funeral assistance program, you will need to gather some information and documentation to ensure a smooth process.

After reviewing the checklist below, call FEMA’s hotline at 844-684-6333 to get started. FEMA has been experiencing a high call volume, so if you get a busy signal, try calling again in a few minutes.

BELOW IS A LIST OF INFORMATION THAT YOU WILL NEED PRIOR TO YOUR CALL:

□ Applicant social security number

□ Applicant name

□ Applicant date of birth

□ Applicant email (optional)

□ Applicant phone numbers

□ Zip code of the place of death

□ Street address of place of death

□ Applicant’s address

□ County of death/county of applicant’s residence

□ Date the funeral expenses were incurred (Refer to your invoice or funeral bill.)

□ Alternate sources of funding received, i.e. assistance from public or private organizations, donations, or funeral or burial insurance

□Deceased’s name, social security number and date of birth (For each deceased individual, if applicable.)

□ Co-applicant information (There can be no more than 2 applicants. Provide name, social security number, and date of birth.)

□ Current gross annual income (This information is not used for qualification purposes. Refer to your latest tax return or provide an estimate.)

□ Choose whether you want to receive funds by check or direct deposit (If direct deposit is preferred, have your bank information ready.)

□ Choose whether you want correspondence in English or Spanish

□ Choose whether you want correspondence by email or mail (If email is chosen, go to www. disasterassistance.gov to set up an account. PDF or JPG files may be uploaded directly to this account.)

FEMA will then offer to provide you with contact information for mental health services, if needed.

GATHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION, INCLUDING:

□ Death certificate indicating the death was COVID-19 related

□ Funeral home contracts or receipts that show liability and payment

□ Alternate sources of funding received

 If you have an account at www.disasterassistance.gov, you may upload documents to your account. Otherwise, mail or fax documentation to:

FEMA P.O. Box 10001

Hyattsville, MD 20782

 Fax: 855-261-3452, ATTN: FEMA at the top

ALL CORRESPONDENCE MUST INCLUDE:

□ FEMA Registration Number (This identifies the specific case, which is provided during the application process.)

□ FEMA Disaster Number (This number is provided during the application process.)

□ Name of applicant

□ Last four digits of your social security number

PLEASE NOTE: When you call back to check on the status of your application, you will be asked a series of four identifying questions. These questions will be based on personal identifying information of record, such as a previous address.