About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline

LOG IN
LOG IN


1 1 (March 24, 2023)

handle is hein.crs/govelbp0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional ____ aResearch Service FEMA Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 Updated March 24, 2023 Congress authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Funeral Assistance for deaths associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the incident period for the COVID-19 declarations is set to end on May 11, 2023, FEMA has stated that it will continue to provide Funeral Assistance after that date. This Insight provides an overview of FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, including eligible expenses, applicant eligibility criteria, award determinations, and application deadlines. Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Donald J. Trump issued a nationwide emergency declaration under Section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). Subsequently, President Trump and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved major disaster declarations for 50 states, 5 territories, the District of Columbia, and 3 tribes under Stafford Act Section 401. Funeral Assistance is a form of Other Needs Assistance (ONA) that FEMA may provide when the President authorizes the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)-a type of Individual Assistance (IA)-pursuant to a Stafford Act declaration of emergency or major disaster. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress authorized FEMA to provide Funeral Assistance through legislation. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Congress required FEMA to provide assistance for pandemic-related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20 through December 31, 2020, for deaths attributable to COVID-19 under the Stafford Act COVID-19 pandemic declarations pursuant to Section 201 of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260, Div. M). Congress also authorized a 100% federal cost share. Additionally, Congress appropriated $2 billion to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), to remain available until expended, to carry out such purposes. Subsequently, Congress required FEMA to provide assistance for pandemic-related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020, at a 100% federal cost share, pursuant to Section 4006 the Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov IN11582 CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress