The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides funeral assistance to families who lost a loved one due to a presidentially declared disaster. FEMA also provides Individual Assistance for disaster survivors, including housing assistance and other needs. Funeral assistance covers burial, cremation, and related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Death notification

FEMA does not receive general death reports. When a death is caused directly or indirectly by a presidentially declared disaster, the person who paid or is responsible for the funeral expenses can apply for FEMA funeral assistance through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). The applicant does not need to be a family member — anyone who incurred funeral costs may apply. The deceased person does not need to have been a U.S. citizen.

Deadline: 60 days from the date of the Presidential disaster declaration; late applications accepted through day 90 with good cause

Survivor benefits

The FEMA offers 3 benefits for surviving family members.

Funeral Assistance

FEMA provides financial assistance for funeral and burial expenses when a death is caused directly or indirectly by a presidentially declared disaster. Covered expenses include casket or urn, burial plot or cremation niche, marker or headstone, interment services, funeral ceremonies, clergy fees, transfer of remains, and up to 5 certified death certificates. The maximum amount per death is set annually and subject to the overall Other Needs Assistance (ONA) household cap of $43,600 (FY2025).

Individual Assistance (Housing and Other Needs)

FEMA Individual Assistance provides housing assistance (rental assistance, home repair, home replacement) and Other Needs Assistance (medical, dental, personal property, transportation, childcare, moving and storage) to disaster survivors. Serious Needs Assistance provides an upfront flexible payment for immediate needs like food, water, and medication without documentation at the time of application.

Disaster Distress Helpline

SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters, including grief from disaster-related deaths. The helpline is free, multilingual, and confidential.

When someone dies

Notifying the FEMA after a death

5-step process, 5 required documents, and 3 survivor benefits.

View details →

Frequently asked questions

You must apply within 60 calendar days of the Presidential disaster declaration authorizing Individual Assistance. Late applications may be accepted through day 90 with a reasonable explanation for the delay, such as hospitalization or inability to access information.

No. The FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program closed on September 30, 2025. Applications are no longer accepted. Funeral assistance for other presidentially declared disasters remains available through the standard Individual Assistance program.