FEMA TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH FUNERAL COSTS FOR COVID-19-RELATED DEATHS

At Fippinger and Peterson Wallin Knox Funeral Homes, we want the community of Aledo, Alpha, Woodhull and surrounding area we serve to be aware that families who experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If there is anything we can do to assist families with the FEMA application process please call us at 309-582-2315. We are here to offer guidance and be a resource for any family who qualifies for reimbursement.

Two pieces of legislation recently passed by Congress – the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to families that incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral and memorial services, and burial, interment or cremation. Individuals who apply may call the dedicated number for reimbursement at 1-844-684-6333. FEMA encourages families that may be eligible to start gathering the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.

• Funeral expense documents (e.g., receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred.

• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance; financial assistance received from voluntary agencies; federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies; or other sources. If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant(s). Applicants can also apply for assistance for more than one individual who died.

The FEMA website has complete information about eligibility requirements, documentation applicants will be required to provide, and how to start the application process.Visit https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance.

Visit the following link for helpful video from FEMA regarding COVID-19 funeral expense reimbursement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgvN_9m58Z0

Scott Fippinger and Alex Carlson, Funeral Directors

In Memoriam

On March 1, 202I, we lost our friend and assistant, Karen O'Hearn. I want to express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. For only a short period of time, Karen was an assistant with our funeral home, a position she truly enjoyed and a friend we will all certainly miss. Over 25 years ago, Karen asked me to keep her in mind should she retire from her banking career and need something to do. I said I would do that and after the passing of her husband, John, I asked if she would like to join us. Allowing some time to grieve her husband's loss, she became a part of our team. I can not express adequately how much we all miss her smile, her warmth and her good natured spirit. Rest in Peace, Karen, until we all meet again. Scott and Ann Fippinger, Alex and Katy Carlson, Leanne and Pat McDermott, Ron and Sharon Moffitt, Dean and Lindi Kernan, Sid and Bertie Carlson.

On February 25, 2021, we lost our friend and helper, Bernie Lovedy. I want to take this opportunity to express our sympathy and gratitude to his friends and family for sharing his life here with us. Bernie joined Ron Rhine many years ago, in helping us with scraping, painting and just fixing this old place up. I was certainly grateful to Bernie for being there when I would get called out and could leave knowing things would get finished and cleaned up. Rest in Peace, Bern, I know now it was a very difficult life for you and I am proud to have given you an opportunity to keep yourself busy to get through one day at a time. Scott and Ann Fippinger.