PANAMA CITY – The 3 months Laura Garcia’s father endured the COVID-19 virus were the worst of hers and her family.
The father of Bay County woman Roque-García Carranza died on January 20 from the disease.
Then there’s the funeral expenses.
Garcia said his father had died at the age of 47, so there were no previous arrangements for a funeral service in advance. He said his circle of relatives is considering seeking help with his father’s funeral expenses at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“I feel like this opportunity will be a great help for families who have lost those who enjoyed and had no plans for funeral arrangements,” Garcia said. “When he (Carranza) passed away in January this year, our circle of relatives had to locate the budget for his arrangements, which made it an already difficult time for us even more. “
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FEMA recently announced that it has begun accepting funeral claims for those who have lost a circle of family members to COVID-19. Thousands have already applied.
Anyone who has a circle of relatives whose death after January 20, 2020 has been caused or likely caused by COVID-19 may seek assistance. The refund can be up to $9,000 depending on the funeral.
Applicants shall provide key data such as their social security number, front and telephone number, as well as data on other funeral aid received, such as donations, CARES aid and aid from voluntary organizations. to also provide the route and account number of your existing account or savings account for direct deposit, if requested.
To apply, citizens must contact FEMA’s committed call center at 844-684-6333; ATS 800-462-7585, Monday through Friday, 8 a. m. 8 p. m. CDT. No online programs will be accepted.
Funerals can be expensive for some families, especially when they happen suddenly. Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki, who is also president of Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, has continually said they are encouraging others to prepare in advance for funeral expenses.
Garcia described how the endless grieving process after her father’s loss, said that maximum random things can cause emotion and that she would be in a source of tears.
Which gave Garcia comfort after wasting his father on his mother, whose religion allowed him to take refuge in difficult times. Garcia said “meet Roque to love Roque. “
Brudnicki said the most that a funeral brings to a circle of relatives is the fence, and said he believed that cash could help some families suffering to pay for funeral services.
“If they had a funeral service and didn’t have the cash to pay for it and still want the funeral, it can actually help them,” Brudnicki said. “As long as you can financially help someone after you’ve already suffered a loss, it’s a smart thing. There’s nothing wrong with that. “
Brudnicki said $9,000 for funeral reimbursement is a “non-symbolic satisfied environment. “He said it on stage because a cemetery space, marker, funeral service, coffin and excavation of the tomb can average more than $9,000.