UPDATED 2/1/22: Covid-19 Funeral Assistance Program
FEMA, the federal agency responsible for preparing for and responding to national disasters, is offering financial assistance to those who have had to pay for funeral expenses due to Covid-19.
Those who have lost loved ones due to Covid-related deaths can apply for retroactive reimbursements. Applicants can receive up to $9,000 per burial. In cases where Covid-related funeral expenses were incurred for multiple deceased individuals, you may receive a maximum of $35,500 per application.
The law firm of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco, P.C. has offered to assist NYSUT members at no charge with applying for the FEMA reimbursement for Covid-related deaths of loved ones.
FEMA has provided more than $1.16 billion to more than 176,000 people to date in an effort to assist with Covid-related funeral costs, with $107 million provided to 15,420 New Yorkers.
Please contact Kathleen Rose at 800-832-5182, ext. 249 to receive this assistance from Feldman, Kramer & Monaco.
Learn more about the FEMA assistance.
Information for Current Legal Service Plan Participants:
Feldman, Kramer & Monaco will also provide guidance and assistance for current Legal Service Plan participants regarding the participating NYSUT member's estate (only in the instance of an uncontested estate), including answering questions related to marshaling assets, obtaining a death certificate, locating family members, reviewing beneficiary forms, filing the necessary documentation with the applicable probate court, accessing a safety deposit box, vehicle title issues, and redirecting mail.
In addition, the law firm can offer direction to the deceased NYSUT member's family regarding the next steps to take, such as advising a family member in regards to transferring assets, contacting financial institutions as well as free estate administration (probate) when needed. Most importantly, the law firm will provide a compassionate sounding board for the family.
Feldman, Kramer & Monaco is offering this free legal service as a way to honor its continued relationship with current participants in our endorsed Legal Service Plan. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Cavanagh (Feldman, Kramer and Monaco) at
800-292-8063, ext. 264.