Tri-town Residents Now Eligible To Receive Federal Assistance

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — Beginning Monday, Essex, Chester, Deep River residents will be able to apply for funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Funeral Assistance program.

This program will provide financial assistance to cover certain burial and funeral expenses for coronavirus-related deaths, according to an article published by Patch's Brian McCready.

To be eligible, the death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19, and the applicant must be either a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.

FEMA has released a list of frequently asked questions to help provide greater detail on eligibility. Those interested should contact FEMA's call center at 844-684-6333 Mondays through Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Tri-town residents as well as others throughout the state of Connecticut should request official death certificates through the municipal vital records office within the town where the death occurred or the decedent's town of residence. Instructions on how to contact the appropriate town office can be found here.

Applicants will also need funeral expense documents such as receipts and a funeral home contract that includes the applicant's name, the deceased person's name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened. Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs must also be provided, as FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

With reporting from Brian McCready, Patch Staff.