San Antonio, TX – The devastating toll of the COVID-19 pandemic extended beyond the loss of lives, deeply impacting families in Bexar County financially. According to recently released FEMA records obtained through a public records request, a substantial number of families sought financial aid to cover funeral expenses for loved ones who succumbed to the virus.

Application and Eligibility Statistics

FEMA’s data revealed that 3,783 families in Bexar County applied for Covid Funeral Assistance, with 3,123 of these applications meeting eligibility criteria. The program, aimed at easing the financial burden on bereaved families, dispersed a total of $19,133,527 in aid to the county. This assistance covers burial costs up to $9,000 per individual, contingent upon the attribution of death to COVID-19.

Challenges Faced by Applicants

One poignant example is the case of Edward Torres, whose family experienced a prolonged delay in receiving reimbursement for his father’s funeral expenses. Ernesto Torres passed away from COVID-19 and pneumonia in November 2022. Edward Torres expressed frustration over the 16-month wait for the approved $6,000 from FEMA, citing bureaucratic hurdles and administrative errors.

Torres recounted the ordeal of submitting and resubmitting paperwork, at times facing erroneous transactions which prolonged the process significantly. Despite FEMA’s claim of an average 66-day turnaround for payments, Torres only received the funds in April, following intervention from local representatives and media attention.

Regional Disbursement Comparison

Bexar County ranked third in Texas for the highest amount of Covid Funeral Assistance disbursed. Harris County led with $38,008,976, followed by Dallas County with $21,553,135. These figures underscore the widespread financial strain COVID-19 imposed on communities across the state.

Conclusion

The financial implications of COVID-19 extended beyond health impacts, leaving families grappling with unexpected funeral expenses. While FEMA’s Covid Funeral Assistance program aimed to alleviate these burdens, bureaucratic inefficiencies and administrative challenges persisted, prolonging the relief process for many families in Bexar County. As communities continue to recover, the enduring legacy of the pandemic’s economic toll on households remains a stark reminder of its profound impact. For ongoing updates and local news coverage, download The Local News App today.

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