FEMA Funeral Aid for COVID-19 Victims: Bronx Family's Struggle and Success

COVID-19 Funeral Expenses and FEMA Aid

• 💔 A Bronx family is seeking FEMA aid for funeral costs after their brother, Miguel Amarante, a NYC peace officer, died from COVID-19 in March 2020.
• 💰 The family incurred nearly $30,000 in expenses for the funeral, burial plot, and memorial stone.

Challenges with FEMA Application

• 🗓️ The family applied for FEMA funeral assistance in April 2021, but their application was repeatedly denied.
• ⚠️ Denials were due to FEMA's requirement for proof that funeral insurance did not cover the expenses, a condition the family struggled to meet.
• 📰 After nearly four years of fighting, the family was inspired by a previous case helped by "7 On Your Side" and decided to seek assistance.

Resolution and FEMA's Role

• 🤝 Upon intervention, FEMA reviewed the case and, after receiving additional information, fully processed the application.
• ✅ The family was approved for $9,000 in funeral expense reimbursement.
• 🗣️ The family expressed gratitude for the swift turnaround in resolving their nearly four-year-long struggle.

FEMA Assistance Program Details

• 📊 FEMA has provided $2.8 billion to families to help with funeral costs related to COVID-19.
• ⏳ The deadline to apply for this assistance is September 30th, 2025.