FEMA's funeral assistance aid for COVID-19 tops $2B, more eligible

WASHINGTON (AP) - The federal government has provided more than $2 billion to help cover funeral costs for more than 300,000 families of people who died from COVID-19, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday as it launches a new campaign to raise awareness about the aid to eligible families.

More than 965,000 people have died in the U.S. from the virus.The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program provides up to $9,000 per funeral and covers COVID-19 related deaths since Jan.

20, 2020. The average amount awarded per death is $6,500, according to FEMA."FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program has helped provide over 300,000 people with critical financial relief during a time of such unexpected, unimaginable and widespread loss," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in a statement.On Tuesday, the agency is launching a new paid ad campaign in California, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas targeted at areas with large rates of COVID-19 deaths but lower rates of reimbursement requests to help connect people to available assistance.

The agency is also reaching out to community groups and local media outlets to help publicize the program."Our new outreach campaign is designed to reach families, especially across underserved communities, where the cost of a funeral can be a financial burden to a loved one," said Criswell. "Our goal is to help families apply for assistance, as well as submit all required documents for existing applications."WASHINGTON DC, USA - SEPTEMBER 24: A view of "In America: Remember", public art installation commemorating all Americans who have died of COVID-19, in Washington DC, United States on September 24, 2021.