Notifying the FEMA when someone dies
Family member is responsible for notifying the FEMA
OverviewWhen someone dies
FEMA Disaster Helpline
Phone1-800-621-3362
TTY711
EmailAskIA@fema.dhs.gov
Mailing Address
FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
WebsiteVisit website→
Hours7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, 7 days a week (hours may be extended during high-activity periods)
FEMA Individual Assistance
Phone1-800-621-3362
TTY711
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
Hours7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, 7 days a week (hours may be extended during high-activity periods)
FEMA Funeral Assistance
Phone1-800-621-3362
TTY711
Timeline
Apply within 60 days of the disaster declaration authorizing Individual Assistance (late applications accepted for an additional 60 days with an explanation of the delay); appeals within 60 days of the determination letter; assistance period up to 18 months from the declaration date
WebsiteLearn more →
Hours7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, 7 days a week (hours may be extended during high-activity periods)
Verified Jul 2026
When someone dies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must be notified. The family member is responsible for notifying the FEMA.
Notification 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.
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the FEMA and applying for survivor benefits:
1
Confirm the death is related to a presidentially declared disaster:
- •The death must have been caused directly or indirectly by the disaster
- •The death must have occurred in a county or area designated for Individual Assistance
- •Check active disaster declarations at DisasterAssistance.gov or fema.gov/disaster/declarations
2
Register for FEMA Individual Assistance:
- •Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- •Call 1-800-621-3362 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week)
- •Use the FEMA mobile app
- •Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (find locations at egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator or text DRC plus your ZIP code to 43362)
- •You will receive a 9-digit FEMA registration number — keep this for all future communications
3
Submit documentation for funeral assistance:
- •Certified copy of the death certificate or a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner, or cemetery/funeral home representative confirming the death was caused directly or indirectly by the disaster
- •Receipts, invoices, or verifiable cost estimates for funeral and burial expenses
- •Documentation of any other assistance received (insurance, VA burial benefits, Social Security lump sum death payment, donations, crowdfunding) to prevent duplication of benefits
4
Track your application and respond to FEMA requests:
- •Check status online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362
- •Respond promptly to any FEMA requests for additional documentation
- •If denied, you have 60 days from the determination letter to file an appeal
5
FEMA assistance may be provided for a period not exceeding 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration (44 CFR 206.110).
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate (or signed statement from medical examiner, coroner, or funeral home representative)
- Receipts, invoices, or verifiable cost estimates for funeral and burial expenses
- Documentation of other assistance received (insurance proceeds, VA burial benefits, Social Security lump sum death payment, donations, crowdfunding)
- Applicant identity verification (Social Security number and government-issued ID)
- FEMA registration number (provided upon application)
Timeline
Apply within 60 days of the disaster declaration authorizing Individual Assistance (late applications accepted for an additional 60 days with an explanation of the delay); appeals within 60 days of the determination letter; assistance period up to 18 months from the declaration date
Survivor benefits
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.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who paid or is responsible for disaster-related funeral expenses; the deceased does not need to meet citizenship requirements; the applicant does not need to reside in the declared disaster area
How to apply: Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362, use the FEMA mobile app, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person
Learn more →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.
Eligibility: Individuals and households affected by a presidentially declared disaster in designated areas
How to apply: Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362, use the FEMA mobile app, or visit a Disaster Recovery Center
Learn more →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.
Eligibility: Anyone experiencing disaster-related emotional distress
How to apply: Call or text 1-800-985-5990; Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers can use their preferred relay provider with 1-800-985-5990 or connect to an ASL agent by videophone
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
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, marker, interment services, funeral ceremonies, clergy fees, transfer of remains, and up to 5 certified death certificates. The amount is subject to annual limits and the overall ONA household cap.
Any U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who paid or is responsible for disaster-related funeral expenses can apply. The applicant does not need to be a family member. The deceased person does not need to have been a U.S. citizen.
FEMA does not cover obituary notices, flowers or floral arrangements, printed programs or memorial materials, catering or food services, transportation of attendees to services, tips or gratuities, or pre-disaster debt obligations.
Yes, but by law FEMA cannot provide funding when any other source has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need. If insurance, Social Security, VA burial benefits, donations, or crowdfunding (e.g., GoFundMe) cover part of the funeral costs, FEMA can assist only with the remaining unmet expenses. You must document all other assistance received.
You have 60 days from the date of the FEMA determination letter to file an appeal. Appeals should include any additional documentation that supports your claim. Track your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA accepts an official death certificate or a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner, or cemetery/funeral home representative confirming the death was caused directly or indirectly by the disaster. Deaths do not need to have occurred during the disaster itself — indirect causes such as loss of medical equipment, delayed medical care, or unsafe conditions after the disaster may qualify.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 3 benefits through the FEMA. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the FEMA. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
FEMA Disaster Helpline
Phone1-800-621-3362
TTY711
EmailAskIA@fema.dhs.gov
Mailing Address
FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
WebsiteVisit website→
Hours7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, 7 days a week (hours may be extended during high-activity periods)
FEMA Individual Assistance
Phone1-800-621-3362
TTY711
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
Hours7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, 7 days a week (hours may be extended during high-activity periods)
FEMA Funeral Assistance
Phone1-800-621-3362
TTY711
Timeline
Apply within 60 days of the disaster declaration authorizing Individual Assistance (late applications accepted for an additional 60 days with an explanation of the delay); appeals within 60 days of the determination letter; assistance period up to 18 months from the declaration date
WebsiteLearn more →
Hours7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, 7 days a week (hours may be extended during high-activity periods)
Verified Jul 2026