COVID19 Update: Sept. 9, 2021

Covid19 continues to impact our lives, but substantial improvements are being made daily and we are beginning to see positive changes.. A continued thank you to all of the first responders for their incredible efforts and work!

McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home continues to monitor the ever-changing regulations of Covid19 and we remain dedicated to serving families safely. 

As of May 29, 2021, Massachusetts has removed restrictions. We remain careful and vigilant, however, and ask that if you are not vaccinated, please continue to wear your mask for the safety of those most vulnerable. 

Below is important information released recently by FEMA for those that suffered the loss of a family member or loved one during this time.

FEMA Funeral Assistance

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Congress authorized FEMA to provide financial assistance to individuals who incurred COVID-19-related funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. On March 24, FEMA has issued its final policy – which includes details such as eligibility and documentation criteria and the application process – for how funds will be distributed to families. Most notably, FEMA shared that the maximum financial assistance will now be $9,000 per funeral.

Families will be able to begin applying for assistance in April 2021.

FEMA will only award COVID-19 Funeral Assistance for a deceased individual on a single application. If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should register under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. The applicant or co-applicant must have incurred the funeral expenses. The deceased individual’s documentation status is not considered as part of the reimbursement process, but the applicant(s) must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, asylees, refugees, or non-citizen nationals.

Families should begin deciding who the applicant and any co-applicants will be and gather the documents they need to be reimbursed for expenses.

Specifically, the applicant must provide the following documents:

* A copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must indicate the death "may have been caused by" or "was likely a result of" COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are also considered sufficient.

* Proof of funeral expenses incurred. Documentation (e.g., receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) must include the applicant's name as the responsible person for the expense, the decedent’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and that funeral expenses were incurred after January 20, 2020.

Eligible funeral expenses include but are not limited to:

* Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased individual

* Transfer of remains

* Casket or urn

* Burial plot or cremation niche

* Marker or headstone

* Clergy or officiant services

* Arrangement of the funeral ceremony

* Use of funeral home equipment or staff

* Cremation or interment costs

* Costs associated with producing and certifying multiple death certificates

* Additional expenses mandated by any applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.

If applicants already received reimbursement for certain funeral expenses through government agencies, voluntary agencies, non-profits, burial or funeral insurance, they cannot resubmit those same expenses for reimbursement through this FEMA-administered program. If they received any outside assistance, they must include documentation of this assistance in their application. If they received financial assistance through the deceased’s life insurance policy, they may still apply for reimbursement.

Sincerely,

Brendan M. McNamara

The McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Homes have been family owned for 198 years. The McNamara Funeral Home in Brighton was established by Bernard S. McNamara in 1934, previously owned by Bernie's in-laws in West Roxbury as Cassidy Funeral and Livery. The Sparrell Funeral Homes had been operated since 1820.

In 1983, Bob McNamara, Bernie's son, & family bought the Sparrell Funeral Homes in Cohasset and Norwell. Sparrell Funeral Homes had been servicing the needs of South Shore families since 1820. Combining the Sparrell's and the McNamara-Cassidy traditions, the McNamara's now continue the tradition of a family serving families for generations.

Today both Funeral Home locations are actively managed by Brendan M. McNamara. Our Funeral Homes are located in Cohasset and Norwell with easy access to off street parking and major highways.

 McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home can assist you in planning any number of services you or your family desires, including cremation.

For driving directions to the Cohasset location, please use 160 South Main St., Cohasset, MA. 02025 when using GPS, Google Maps, or other driving assistance, as a satellite issue will misdirect you using 1 Summer St. Thank you.

 Spiritual Intentions are offered directly through the Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, MA. For any family you would like, you may visit their store to send the family a Spiritual Intention. Please visit their website at:  https://shop.glastonburyabbey.org/Default.asp

EMAIL: brendan@mcnamara-sparrell.com