At a virtual town hall meeting at the VA building in Tafuna today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) discussed a program to assist with funeral costs for deaths directly related to COVID-19.
Each eligible applicant may receive up to $9,000.00 in assistance.
“There are several guidelines that applicants need to make sure they understand, and be in line with before we start processing requests,” states Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga.
“We do not want to turn away anyone seeking assistance, but we need to know what the requirements are for eligibility.
Lemanu thanked Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his efforts in ensuring American Samoa is included in these benefits during such a challenging time.
He also commended Director Samana for taking the lead on this endeavor. I encourage all families who meet the requirements to apply for this assistance.”
According to FEMA, to be eligible, you must meet the following conditions:
● The death must have occurred in the United States, including the US territories and the
District of Columbia.
● The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to or caused by COVID-19.
● The applicant must be a US citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2021.
● There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
Expenses that qualify for reimbursement are:
● Transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual
● The transfer of remains, a casket or urn
● A burial plot or cremation niche
● A marker or headstone
● Clergy or officiant services
● The arrangement of a funeral ceremony
● The use of funeral home equipment or staff
● Cremation or interment costs
● Costs associated with producing multiple death certificates
The American Samoa Department of Homeland Security point of contact is Laauli Ifopo and for the Office of the Governor it is Mapu Jamais.
Contact the American Samoa Emergency Operations Center at 699-3800 for further assistance.
