FEMA’s funeral program overwhelmed by 1 million calls on first day

(NEXSTAR) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency was inundated with calls after opening the hotline to its COVID-19-related funeral assistance program.

FEMA said in a news release that the more than 1 million calls were too much for the agency’s call centers and caused technical issues Monday.

While some callers managed to reach an operator, a busy signal stymied others.

FEMA asked for patience Wednesday, saying that there is no deadline to apply and reassuring those who lost loved ones to the pandemic that they will be able to open a case.

“We will not rush through calls because we intend to make sure that every applicant gets their questions answered and receives the help they need to apply,” FEMA said in the release.

While speaking during a Senate subcommittee on FEMA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, acting Administrator Robert Fenton told legislators that despite the first day hurdles, the hotline was working smoothly by the second day. The program’s website still had this message as of Thursday:

“We are experiencing high call volume on the Funeral Assistance phone line, which is causing some technical issues. Please try again later if you get a busy signal or your call doesn’t connect. There is no deadline to apply.”

How FEMA’s funeral assistance program works

According to FEMA’s website, $2 billion was provided to FEMA through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act of 2021 to reimburse individuals and households for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January, 2020.

FEMA says assistance is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application per state, territory, or the District of Columbia. Don’t laminate your vaccination card, CDC says

Those who qualify, can complete an application by calling FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number at 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585). No online applications are being accepted.

According to FEMA’s website, expenses for funeral services and internment or cremation typically include, but are not limited to:

Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual
Transfer of remains
Casket or urn
Burial plot or cremation niche
Marker or headstone
Clergy or officiant services
Arrangement of the funeral ceremony
Use of funeral home equipment or staff
Cremation or interment costs
Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates
Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances

Depending on which option you chose when applying, funds will be directly deposited or a check will be sent through thre mail.

FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people to register them for funeral assistance. The agency says it does not contact people prior to them registering.