King County Library System and FEMA Partnership Makes Registering for Funeral Assistance Easier

A partnership between the King County Library System (KCLS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) improves community access to the technology and resources needed to register for FEMA Funeral Assistance. This collaboration between KCLS and FEMA connects people with free community resources and expertise at libraries throughout King County (outside the city of Seattle).

If you incurred COVID-19-related funeral, burial or cremation expenses on or after January 20, 2020, FEMA may be able to help you with some of those costs. Applying for FEMA Funeral Assistance begins with a phone call to (844) 684-6333. Applicants must provide documentation before FEMA can fully process their application. Individuals who need help submitting their paperwork can use KCLS library scanners, computers, fax machines and internet access to upload files; Library staff are available to assist with the process. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available by request.

“While nothing can replace those we’ve lost to COVID-19, FEMA Funeral Assistance can help ease the financial burden of placing our loved ones to rest. It is vital that we remove digital barriers that might prevent someone from applying for this assistance,” says Acting Regional Administrator Vince Maykovich. “Just as library resources and staff deliver essential community services during periods of extreme heat or cold, they can provide access to information and resources to help anyone transmitting their FEMA application.”

“As trusted sources of information and assistance, public libraries are well-versed in connecting community members to important resources,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “KCLS extends our services and support to King County residents, and we hope this partnership helps our communities in their times of need.”

To apply for FEMA Funeral Assistance, call (844) 684-6333. The helpline is open Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST. Multilingual services are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien to apply. However, there is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. To learn more about funeral assistance eligibility, view this video in English or Spanish.

To make an appointment with KCLS, call (800) 462-9600. To schedule an appointment with a KCLS Digital Navigator, visit the Computer and Internet Help page at kcls.org/computer-help.

For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, visit COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov.