Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The U.S Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved just over $53,000 in COVID-19 related funeral expenses for applications submitted by households in American Samoa, according to the latest FEMA data on this federal program, to assist with funeral expenses for families who lost loved ones to COVID.

FEMA data shows that as of July 5, the federal agency received 29 “applications” from American Samoa and approved $53,075.52 while the number of awards made is “less than 10”.  FEMA explains that “applications” reflects the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

No other public information is available on the applicants from American Samoa, while nationally FEMA reports it has provided — as of July 5th — more than $2.6 billion to over 410,000 individuals and families to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

FEMA says eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

FEMA had previously stated that once someone has applied for assistance, they have six months to return requested information to help process the claim. Once applicants have supplied all documentation, a FEMA case worker reviews it, and an eligibility determination is made in less than 25 days.

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 after January 20, 2020.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.