Funeral Homes in Midland/Odessa Helping Out With COVID-19 Funeral Reimbursement

FEMA is now accepting applications for funeral reimbursement for COVID-19 related deaths and local funeral homes are helping out with the application process.

According to NewsWest 9, FEMA started taking applications on April 12, 2021 and there is no limit to the funds as well as no time limit.

A few funeral homes in the area have been telling people about it and helping out with the applications.

"We did our due diligence to reach out to those families to let them know of that program," said David Cole, Owner of American Heritage Cemetery and Funeral Home.

"These folks that have passed away of COVID, a lot of them, they could've lived another 20-30 years," Cole said. "And so for their lives to be cut short, it didn't just impact that immediate family, but all of those associations. For us to band together to try to bear those people up at a time of their greatest need is not just a good thing, but it's a necessary thing."

It can't bring a family member back, but it can ease the financial pain involved in an unexpected death of a loved one.

"There is, I think, a deep appreciation for even the idea that this is even available, long before they're even known to be qualified," said Cole.

If you are a citizen, non-citizen, or migrant that paid funeral costs of a relative who died from COVID-19 after January 20, 2020, you are able to apply for this aid.

The reimbursement covers the costs incurred for a casket, head stone, name plate, cremation, and some of the other funeral costs.

Information on how to apply can be found on the FEMA website.