Programs available to help with COVID-19 related funeral expenses

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The City of Rochester said that residents may be able to receive funding to help pay for past-due water bills and COVID-19 related funeral expenses on Wednesday.

Mayor Malik D. Evans said that “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought hardships to many of our citizens, and I want to make sure that our residents are aware of the availability of these federal and state programs designed to ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.”

Residents may be eligible for past-due water bills under the NYS Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, and the amount owed.

A benefit of up to $2,500 is available per household to pay the cost of water services. Visit this website to apply and learn about eligibility and income limits.

Residents may also qualify for financial assistance for funeral expenses.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020.

To apply for funeral assistance, residents can call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at (844) 684-6333.

To learn more about eligibility visit FEMA’s website here.