Can I Get Help From FEMA If My Loved One Died in a Natural Disaster?

Yes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide assistance if your loved one has died in a natural disaster. FEMA provides funeral assistance under the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provision of the Individuals and Households Program. Through this provision, applicants can receive financial assistance or direct services to cover necessary expenses and serious needs resulting from a disaster. Any IHP assistance must occur within 18 months of the presidential disaster declaration, so individuals are encouraged to apply in a timely manner. Additionally, all of the following criteria must be met by the applicant in order to be eligible for assistance: 

• The applicant or someone living with the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien 
• The applicant must not have any insurance or if they have filed an insurance claim, the claim cannot cover all of their losses
• The applicant must pass FEMA’s identity and occupancy verification if it applies
• The applicant must have expenses or serious needs due to losses in a presidentially declared disaster area

Although some types of Other Needs Assistance depend on the applicant’s approval for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA), this condition is not applicable for funeral assistance. Individuals who are interested in requesting funeral assistance can apply for the ONA provision online, in person at a Disaster Recovery Center,  or over the phone by calling the FEMA Helpline. Additionally, applicants will be required to provide verifiable documentation to FEMA to demonstrate their need for funeral assistance. This documentation typically includes: 

• A death certificate 
• Documentation from an authoritative state or local entity attributing death or injury to the declared disaster 
• Proof that the applicant is the next of kin according to the state or local authority 
• Confirmation that funeral expenses have not been paid for with other resources 
• Proof of unmet funeral expenses 

Additionally, eligibility can vary based on the specific disaster and the circumstances. For example, funeral assistance for a disinterred coffin can only be provided if the coffin was located in a family cemetery on private property, and the coffin was removed from the ground by the disaster. Funeral assistance may also be denied if the death of the individual cannot be attributed to the disaster, funeral expenses are already fully covered by other resources, or incomplete/insufficient documentation was provided. 

Sources

“Individuals and Households Program”. FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/individuals-and-households-program 

“FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP) – Other Needs Assistance”. Disaster Assistance. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4473 

“Disaster Funeral Assistance”. FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/pdf/media/factsheets/2011/dad_funeral.pdf