FEMA have updated the Funeral Assistance Policy documentation required for COVID-related deaths that took place before May 16, 2020. In the early months of the pandemic medical personnel may not have listed COVID-19 as a cause of death on the death certificate.

The latest policy change from FEMA will allow applicants, beginning immediately, to submit a statement or letter from the death certificate’s certifying official, medical examiner, or coroner, that attributes the death to COVID-19 fatalities that occurred between January 20 and May 16, 2020.

This means that applicants for death before May 16 will not need to seek to have the death certificate amended, which can be a lengthy, complicated process.

Read more on FEMA's website.