(MSC News)---Families who lost loved ones due to COVID-19 can now get help with funeral expenses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA says families can apply for up to $9,000 in financial assistance for expenses related to COVID-19 deaths that occurred after January 20, 2020.

Congress approved billions of dollars in funding for funeral benefits in two Covid relief measures--the one signed by former President Donald Trump in December and the one known as the American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed last month.

FEMA began accepting applications April 12 for the funeral assistance program.

The FEMA website has complete information about eligibility requirements, documentation you will be required to provide as part of your application and how to start the application process.