Ness Highlights Funeral Cost Assistance Program

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – To ease the financial burden felt by families during the pandemic, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, is highlighting federal assistance available to help families cover the final expenses of loved ones lost to COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 health crisis has presented our families with many unprecedented challenges,” said Ness. “For those who are mourning the loss of a loved one due to coronavirus, unexpected funeral costs can create a huge financial strain for families who are already going through so much.”

Ness is reminding residents of the availability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Funeral Cost Assistance Program. The program may help families cover up to 100 percent of funeral costs accrued after Jan. 20, 2020. According to the CDC, there are more than 21,000 families in Illinois that are eligible for federal funeral reimbursement funding, with more than $10.4 million being approved for 1,500 applicants to date. Residents can apply for FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program by calling 844-684-6333, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The application process takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and multilingual services are available.

“While we cannot bring back those we have lost to COVID-19, assistance offered through the federal government will help families ensure their loved one’s final wishes are honored,” continued Ness. “I encourage families facing unexpected funeral costs due to the pandemic to apply for funeral assistance.”