The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the United States government agency in charge when disasters hit, whether it be a hurricane or tornado.  It is also helping out during this time of the pandemic.

As of April 9th, the Centers for Disease Control states that 556,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. FEMA is helping out friends, families and communities by reimbursing the cost of funeral costs for those that have died of COVID-19 with the 'COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program'.

The program helps provide financial assistance related to funeral expenses regarding those that have died of COVID-19 after January 20, 2020. The person must have passed in the United States, the District of Columbia, or it's territories

Applications began being taken Monday, April 12th. A phone number has been set up with multilingual representatives to complete an application over the phone.

 

The number to call is:

844-684-6333

TTY: 800-462-7585

Be aware that the program is receiving a very high call volume.  It is advised to try again at another time and that there is no deadline to apply. You can connect with a representative Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M Eastern Standard Time.

This program has come about after the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 passed late last year and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 had passed in March.

For Frequently Asked Questions, to see the full list of requirements or to see what documents will be needed for documentation purposes, visit the 'COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program' page on the Federal Emergency Management Agency page.

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

12 Ways to Wear Maine

The Most ADA Compliant State Parks In Maine

More From WBZN Old Town Maine