Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency made two significant announcements to help assist communities with the response to COVID-19.
- Increase in Federal Cost Share for COVID-19 Response Costs: At the direction of President Biden, FEMA will pay 100% federal funding for all major disaster declarations that occurred in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. This decision allows FEMA to pay 100% of total eligible costs, including emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, for work performed from January 20, 2020, through September 30, 2021. The IAFC had lobbied the President and Congress to allow a 100% federal cost-share to cover the response to COVID-19.
- FEMA Will Provide Financial Assistance for COVID-19-Related Funeral Costs: FEMA will provide financial assistance for funeral costs under the Other Needs Assistance provision of the Individuals and Households Programs. In association with major disaster declaration in the state or territory where the death occurred, FEMA will provide 100% of the funeral costs where the death is determined to have been caused by COVID-19.
Additional information on this reimbursement can be found on the FEMA webpage.
Ken LaSala is the IAFC’s Director of Government Relations & Policy.