A new federal program is helping ease the burden for families who've lost a loved one to COVID-19

FEMA is providing up to $9,000 per funeral and up to $35,000 to people who lost multiple family members to COVID-19.

The agency says the funds can go toward headstones, funeral ceremonies, cremations and other significant costs.

In order to be eligible, the death must have occurred in the U.S., the death certificate must indicate the death was caused by COVID-19 and the death occurred after January 20, 2020.

The owner of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home in Stamford says any help his clients can get will be a benefit, and he's encouraging many of them to apply.

In order to apply, you have to call FEMA's COVID-19 funeral assistance helpline. You can call between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday.