UPDATE: Requests for the Funeral Assistance Program are now managed by Maricopa County. Please visit www.funeralassistanceprogram.org for more information and to apply for assistance.
Phoenix, AZ — COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our community. For many, the isolation, loss of employment and impact to everyday activities has been overwhelming. For families who have had to face the death of a family member during this pandemic, the impact is even greater. Many were not able to be with their loved one in their last moments and others are struggling to pay for burial expenses due to a loss of income from the pandemic.
Valley of the Sun United Way and Maricopa County are partnering to provide much-needed financial assistance to families in mourning through the Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program. The program is funded with CARES Act dollars and while a partnership of this nature between county government and United Way is new, with its deep community roots, United Way was able to quickly develop and execute a plan to make this much-needed financial support available for families.
Through the program, families can qualify for up to $1,200 to be applied to burial or cremation services at a participating licensed Maricopa County funeral home. Applicants must provide proof of loss or reduction in income, as well as a copy of a driver’s license, utility bill, or voter ID card demonstrating that the applicant, or the deceased, resided in Maricopa County at the time of the decedent’s death.
“Many Valley families face difficult choices due to the health and economic pressures created by the pandemic. Saying goodbye to a loved one with dignity should not add to this financial and emotional stress,” said Carla Vargas Jasa, CEO and President of Valley of the Sun United Way. “That’s why United Way is incredibly proud to partner with Maricopa County to provide accessible and respectful funeral assistance to local families during their most vulnerable time.”
A licensed mortuary and funeral home in Maricopa County must provide a statement of services, contract, or other equivalent documentation as well as an invoice of the final disposition type and supporting services/supplies. This invoice would include but is not limited to:
- Transportation (in county)
- Urn
- Casket
- Final disposition
- Death certificate
- Associated service fees
For more information or to apply for assistance, visit www.funeralassistanceprogram.org.
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About Valley of the Sun United Way
United Way is celebrating 95 years of meeting the most pressing needs of Maricopa County. Valley of the Sun United Way unifies diverse partners, donors, business supporters, nonprofits, government and faith-based communities to build a stronger Valley for us all. United Way and its 90,000 donors, 400 business supporters and 5,000 volunteers come together to ensure children and youth succeed, end hunger and homelessness, and increase the financial stability of families. Visit vsuw.org.
