HEALTH

Gov. Cox: FEMA will provide money for COVID-19 funeral costs

Mar 25, 2021, 5:06 PM

Bill...

(Governor Cox getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Spanish Fork. Credit: KSL TV, Facebook)

(Governor Cox getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Spanish Fork. Credit: KSL TV, Facebook)

SPANISH FORK, Utah — Another form of financial help is coming for people who have been hit by COVID-19: The federal government reports it will cover some of the funeral costs for people killed by the coronavirus, and the governor wants Utahns to start preparing.

The funding will be provided by FEMA and the assistance program will be officially launched in April. However, Gov. Spencer Cox said there are still a lot of details about the specifics of the program that they still don’t know.

 “We don’t have all of the details, yet, but the reason we’re announcing this now is so that families can start to get their paperwork together,” Cox said.

The assistance will be available for families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 after January of 2020, but, anyone asking for funding will have to prove they qualify.

“The death must have occurred within the United States and the death certificate must indicate that COVID-19 was an attributable cause of death,” he said.

In order to qualify, applicants must provide FEMA with a copy of the death certificate, a copy of funeral expenses and proof of any funds from outside sources that were used to offset those costs.

“I believe the eligibility runs up to around $9,000 at the high end, but it depends on what the expenses were and the available funding,” Cox said. “Applications will be made directly to FEMA, starting in April.”

The governor was in Spanish Fork as he and his wife, Abby, received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Cox said manufacturers are increasing the number of doses their making, so Utah should get another increase in the state’s weekly allotment.

Health officials say the number of daily COVID-19 continues to decline, although not as quickly as previously seen. However, state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said the rate of positivity also continues to drop, which means the rolling seven-day average of new cases will also likely fall.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Health

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

How, and why, a hobby can bring joy to your life

If it brings you pleasure, is meaningful, and you can do it regularly, you've got yourself a hobby! Here's why they can benefit us so much.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah clinics winning the fight against overprescribed antibiotics

Intermountain Health and the University of Utah found that urgent-care facilities were more likely to prescribe antibiotics as a quick, easy solution.

11 months ago

Utah Food Bank...

Allessandra Harris

Utah Food Bank aims to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ this summer

The Utah Food Bank is joining forces with the Letter Carriers Union to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.

11 months ago

...

LEANNE ITALIE AP Entertainment Writer

Mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, known as Dooce to fans, dead at 47

Armstrong had laid bare her struggles as a mother and her battles with depression and alcoholism on her site, Dooce.com, and on social media since 2001.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Gov. Cox: FEMA will provide money for COVID-19 funeral costs