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Key Resources for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

August 2, 2021

GNYHA is writing to inform you of several resources for family members of COVID-19 decedents applying for funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the New York City Human Resources Administration. Members have reported that, in some cases, program applicants have been denied assistance from these programs because the death certificate submitted in the application process did not include a complete cause of death (COD) report. To qualify for these programs, program applicants must submit a death certificate that documents the decedent’s COD as COVID-19.

To clarify the process and requirements for requesting a death certificate with a COD report (a “complete death certificate”). Members should direct program applicants to the following resources depending on whether the decedent expired within the five boroughs of New York City or elsewhere in New York State.

Resources for Decedents Who Expired in New York City

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has published a document to help applicants of either program navigate the process (attached) and has provided detailed information specific to requesting complete death certificates for the FEMA program (attached). DOHMH has also dedicated a section of its website to additional resources for requesting complete death certificates.

Resources for Decedents Who Expired in New York State but Outside of New York City

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides information on its website for program applicants in cases where the decedent expired in the State but outside New York City. The DOH resources address requirements for those requesting complete death certificates, instructions on how to request a complete death certificate electronically, and a tracking tool for those who have already requested a complete death certificate through the State.

Please visit the GNYHA Fatality Management Document Portal and Resource Hub for further information.

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