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 authorizing Individual Assistance (or, if the applicant's area is added to the declaration later, 60 days from that date). FEMA continues to accept late applications for an additional 60 days after the application period ends; the applicant must explain the reason for the delay by phone, in writing, or in person, but FEMA does not require supporting documentation for that reason

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 transfer of remains, casket or urn, burial plot or cremation niche, marker or headstone, interment services, funeral ceremonies, clergy fees, death certificates, and reinterment costs if disinterment was caused by the disaster. The maximum amount per death is set annually and subject to the overall Other Needs Assistance (ONA) household cap of $43,600 (for disasters declared on or after October 1, 2024). By law, FEMA cannot provide funding when any other source -- insurance, Social Security, Veterans Affairs benefits, donations, or crowdfunding -- has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need. Not covered: obituary notices, flowers, printed programs, catering, transportation of attendees, or tips and gratuities.

Individual Assistance (Housing and Other Needs)

FEMA Individual Assistance provides housing assistance (rental assistance, home repair, home replacement, up to $43,600 per household for disasters declared on or after October 1, 2024) and Other Needs Assistance (medical, dental, personal property, transportation, childcare, moving and storage, up to $43,600 per household). Serious Needs Assistance provides a one-time upfront flexible payment of $770 per household for immediate needs like food, water, baby formula, and medication without documentation at the time of application. Displacement Assistance provides funding for immediate housing needs when survivors cannot return home.

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 (or, if your area is added to the declaration later, within 60 days of that date). FEMA continues to accept late applications for an additional 60 days after the application period ends. To have a late application considered, you must explain the reason for the delay by phone, in writing, or in person, but FEMA does not require supporting documentation for that reason.

No. The FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program is closed and FEMA is no longer accepting new applications. FEMA received more than 609,000 applications, with more than 506,000 approved totaling approximately $3.26 billion. Funeral assistance for other presidentially declared disasters remains available through the standard Individual Assistance program.

Serious Needs Assistance is a one-time upfront payment of $770 per household introduced under the 2024 Individual Assistance reform. It provides immediate flexible funding for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication, and other emergency supplies without requiring documentation at the time of application.