FARMINGTON – The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is encouraging eligible New Mexicans to apply to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funeral costs incurred by the death of a loved one because of COVID-19.
Brian Sayler, spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said in an email Monday that the assistance money is available and there is currently no deadline to apply.
Sayler also said that as of Aug. 4, about 650 New Mexicans had received assistance money, with an average of $4,900 per case. An additional 700 residents have been approved and are waiting for assistance money, which he said they should receive “shortly.”
In a news release, the department encouraged New Mexicans to take advantage of the funding.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much pain and suffering for families both around the world and right here in New Mexico,” the release said. “And to help ease some of the financial and emotional burden caused by this virus, FEMA is offering financial support for COVID-19-related funeral expenses.”
The program covers costs from funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. The costs covered could include, funeral services, headstones and officiant services, among others. For deaths after May 16, 2020, the certificate of death has to attribute the death to COVID-19 and those before May 16 but after Jan. 20, must have a signed statement assuring the death was attributable to COVID-19.
“New Mexicans who have lost loved ones to COVID are eligible for financial support from the federal government,” DHSEM Secretary Bianca Ortiz-Wertheim said in the news release. “Losing a loved one always brings heartbreak, and hopefully this support can make a difference in the lives of our friends, family and neighbors who have been affected by this virus. DHSEM and our federal partners want all eligible New Mexicans to register for this program, and FEMA representatives are available to guide you through every step of the application.”
People interested in applying should call (800) 462-7585. For more information, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.
mmitchell@durangoherald.com
