Apply to FEMA for COVID-19 Related Funeral Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for funeral assistance and reimbursement through its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The Helpline is 844-684-6333 and is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

Examples of eligible expenses may 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 and applicable local or state government laws or ordinances.

The information you will be required to provide to FEMA to apply for this assistance includes:

• Your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers.

• Name, Social Security Number and date of birth for each deceased individual.

• Location or address where the individual died.

• Copy of death certificate that indicates the death was caused by, “may have been caused by,” or “was likely a result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms.

  • If the death certificate was issued between January 20 and May, 2020 and does not list COVID-19 as a cause of death, you may submit the death certificate with a signed statement from the original certifier of the death that attributes the death to COVID-19..

• Documentation and receipts for funeral assistance received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, other government programs or non-profit organizations.

After you contact FEMA and apply, you can then submit documents either:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• Via fax at 855-261-3452

• By mail at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, P.O. Box 10001, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

Visit FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq for additional information.

You cannot apply online. The call will take about 20 minutes.

If you are approved for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, you will receive funds by direct deposit or a check by mail, depending on which option you chose when you applied for assistance.

When I Pass Away Will My Social Media Presence Be Here to Stay?

Social media is still in its infancy. Facebook became available to everyone 13 and older on September 26, 2006. Twitter was launched for public use on July 15, 2006. LinkedIn was launched on May 5, 2003. But as the years pass, we will all eventually be faced with the question of what to do with our social media presence after our time is up.

Final Farewell and Facebook

Do you want to stay on Facebook after you die? No? Well, perhaps the easiest solution is to give someone you trust your login information and have them permanently delete your account when you die. This can be done by clicking the account menu at the top of your Facebook page, pick Account Settings, click Security in the left-hand column, then click "Deactivate your account." Or perhaps more officially, make this request in your will.

The current Security Settings screen in Facebook as of December 2013

If you haven't planned for your afterlife Facebook page, your immediate family members or executor can still submit a special request to remove your account. Facebook will require a death certificate or other proof to do so.

Or you can also simply do nothing and continue having your presence be shown in Facebook. A good friend of mine passed in 2013 and his page is still up and running. In fact, many of his friends posted happy birthday messages on his page later in the year.

Lastly, your family, friends, even co-workers may make a Memorialization Request by submitting the deceased's email address and proof of death. The requestor reports the information under penalty of perjury. Facebook will not provide login information for the deceased's account.

When an account is memorialized, Facebook keeps the account information static. Friends can still post to the deceased's page (subject to the account's privacy settings). When a Facebook Timeline is memorialized, it does not show up in others' pages as a friend suggestion and birthday reminders do not appear for the account.

Facebook indicates that a new Timeline may not be created to memorialize a deceased person, though others can create a Page or a Group for that purpose.

Six Feet Under Instagram

Instagram is owned by Facebook and thus their policies regarding deceased users is similar. You can request that a deceased Instagrammer’s account be memorialized if they passed away. But if you are an immediate family member of the person, you can request that the account be removed. Instagram will require proof of death for the former, such as a link to an obituary or news article. You’ll need additional information such as a birth/death certificate to remove the account. Click here for info.

Terminal in Twitter

Twitter is a bit different than Facebook in that if you are inactive (i.e. no logins or Tweets) for 6 months, they may permanently remove your account due to prolonged inactivity. That pretty much will take care of your Twitter account.

That said, or Tweeted, as the case may be, a family member or executor of your estate may also request that your Twitter account be terminated. This is done by contacting Twitter. You may be asked to provide the deceased's user name, death certificate, the requestor's driver's license or other Government-issued ID and a signed statement.

And of course you could share, before your final breath, your login information with someone you trust, who in turn can go to your Settings/Account, then scroll to the bottom of the screen where it says "Deactivate my account" and be done with it.

LinkedIn Through the Out Door

Someone I'm connected with in LinkedIn passed away several years ago. I still see her profile in there, which to me is a bit depressing and sad. Recently LinkedIn reminded me of her "work anniversary" even. Unlike Twitter, LinkedIn does not remove an account with prolonged inactivity. And unlike Facebook, LinkedIn does not have a "memorialize" feature where you can post comments to the deceased's page.

What LinkedIn does have is a feature for members to complete a form to report a colleague, classmate, or loved one who has passed away so they can close that person's account and remove their profile. So unlike Facebook and Twitter, non-family members can make a request to remove your profile in LinkedIn. I completed the form for the acquaintance who passed away, including a link to an online obituary. Six hours later, I received an email from LinkedIn indicating their account has been removed.

If you're reading this article, I'll assume you are still alive. Thus, you might as well check out the CVG Twitter page at twitter.com/ConejoJoe and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide.

Options For Getting a Copy of a Prior Year Federal Tax Return or IRS Transcripts

Are you in process of refinancing, applying for student loans or dealing with some other issue that requires information from a prior year tax return, but you can’t find a copy of the return? Here are your options.

Who Prepared the Return?

If you paid someone to do the tax return, it is likely that they can provide a copy of the return. If you did the return yourself using software like TurboTax, you should be able to log in and retrieve a copy of the return.

How to Obtain an IRS Transcript

If the above does not work and you primarily need information from the return but not necessarily a complete copy of the return, you can request a tax return transcript from the IRS. This can be done online (and almost immediately), by phone or by mail.

Obtaining an IRS Transcript Online

It’s actually quite simple obtaining a copy of tax return transcript or wage and income transcript at www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. But first things first. You need to establish an eServices account with the IRS unless you already have one.

Setting up an eServices account at https://sa.www4.irs.gov/eauth/pub/es_general.jsp will take maybe 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll need the following information: Full name, Social Security Number, email, birthdate, most recent year’s tax filing status and current address. To verify your identity, the IRS will also need information from one of your financial accounts - such as the last eight digits of a credit card or other loan. You’ll also need your cell phone registered under your name to confirm you are you.

After you’ve set up your eServices account, you can log in to obtain your transcripts. Make sure your cell phone is handy, as the IRS uses two-factor authentication each time you log in. They will text a code to your phone.

When you log in, after selecting the reason for needing the transcript (e.g. Higher Education/Student Aid, FEMA/Disaster Related, etc.), you will have access to up to four years of return transcripts, five years of account transcripts and 10 years of wage and income transcripts.

Obtaining an IRS Transcript by Phone or Mail

You can also call 800-908-9946 or complete and mail in Form 4506-T to obtain a transcript. There is no cost for this. The form is at www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-t.

Request a Copy of Tax Return From the IRS

If the transcript is not sufficient and you otherwise are not able to obtain a copy of your tax return, you can request a copy using Form 4506. Copies of individual tax returns (1040, 1040-SR, etc.) can take up to 75 days to be processed, so get ready to wait.

And yes, it does cost you to obtain a copy of the return. Up until very recently though, it was $50, But the new Form 4506 shows a fee of $43 for each return requested.

Returns are generally available for 7 years from filing before they are destroyed by law.

Buy Gift Cards at Costco and Save a Lot of Money Elsewhere

If you're not already a Costco member and have no intention of becoming one, gift cards are a reason to consider a Costco membership. Costco offers an assortment of gift cards for sale at bargain prices; typically 20% off.  A $55 annual Costco membership fee can quickly be recovered if you use these cards. Here's a summary of what several (Oxnard, Westlake Village and Simi Valley) local Costco stores either currently have on hand or have carried in the past.

• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: $100 in gift cards for $79.99 (also available online)

• Buca di Beppo $100 in gift cards for $69.99 (in store)

• CPK $100 in gift cards for $79.99 (online)

• P.F. Chang's $100 in gift cards for $79.99 (online and in store)

• Roy’s $100 in gift cards for $79.99 in store

• Marmalade Cafe $100 in gift cards for $79.99 in store

• Build-a-Bear Workshop $100 Gift E-Cards for $79.99 (available online)

• 24 Hour Fitness discounted 2 year memberships

• Cold Stone Creamery $100 in gift cards for $69.99

• Yogurtland four $25 gift cards for $79.99

• Krispy Kreme 4 $15 gift cards for $44.99 (online)

All of this of course is subject to change and availability.

Positive and Uplifting Thoughts From Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers During the Pandemic

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters just reached its 5th anniversary at 111 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (Trader Joe's/CVS plaza). If you're looking for an independent, local family-owned coffee and bake shop, this is the place for you! ragamuffinroasters.com.

We’ve been hosting daily gift card drawings for local Conejo Valley eateries on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page since July 23rd. These drawings have been made possible thanks to donations from several hundred individuals and businesses at bit.ly/CVGFund (credit cards) and paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide.

In a recent drawing, we asked folks to enter by adding a positive and/or uplifting comment to the post. Here’s a compilation of some of those comments.

• “Do small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa

• Choose to be kind over being right and you will be right all the time.

• After every storm a rainbow appears.

• Remember that time heals all, and if we all stick together we will be okay!

• A smile is a curve that can set things straight.

• No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.

• Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.

• “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

• Enjoy the time you have, with the people you have it with!! Family, whether blood or not, is everything!

• Find the good, and share it with others.

• Be so happy that, when other people look at you, they become happy too.

• All it can take is a smile to change someone’s whole day.

• Tough times don’t last but tough people do.

• Be kind. You don't know what people are going through. Wish them well

• When words are both true and kind, they can change the world!

• Find something positive in each and every day.

• Find time to do something nice for someone today.

• “I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains” - Anne Frank

• When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond,

• “If it was easy, then everyone would do it!”

• “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is the most precious gift.”

• Smile with your eyes. You can do it. You may not think people will notice, but they do.

• May you see sunshine where others see shadows, and opportunities where others see obstacles.

• To quote Dory, “Just keep swimming.”

• Stars shine brightest in the dark.

• Be positive and thankful for all that you have.

• May your WiFi be as strong as your coffee!

• Sprinkle kindness like it's confetti.

• Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits put together that will overwhelm the world.

• The sun will come out tomorrow.

• As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.—Albert Schweitzer

• Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

• Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.

Sweet Arleen's in the Westlake Plaza at 960 S. Westlake Blvd, Ste 4 is named after its original owner, Arleen Scavon, but is now owned by Chef Julia San Bartolome. They worked together to win the Food Network Cupcake Wars three times. Walk into this shop and you'll be mesmerized by the cupcakes on display. sweetarleens.com

Facts About Getting Real ID Cards in the State of California

UPDATE 3/26/20: THE REAL ID IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN DELAYED FROM 10/1/20 TO 10/1/21 BY DHS AT THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND EMERGENCY DECLARATION.

Now that we are well into 2019 (now 2020), it’s time for people like me, and perhaps most of you,. to start thinking about getting a Real ID card. (AS MENTIONED ABOVE, THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK A YEAR TO 10/1/21 DUE TO THE PANDEMIC).

WHAT IS REAL ID?

Beginning October 1, 2020 (NOW 2021), the federal government will require your driver’s license or ID card to be Real ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities that require identification. The California DMV now offers federally compliant REAL ID drivers’ licenses.

The Real ID is a requirement of the Real ID Act of 2005.

DO I HAVE TO GET A REAL ID CARD?

No, you don’t. But if you plan to board a domestic flight starting October 1, 2020, your existing California driver’s license or state-issued ID will not work with TSA if it is not Real ID compliant.

In lieu of a Real ID card, you will need to show a U.S. passport, passport card or other forms of identification noted at www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

HOW DO I GET A REAL ID CARD?

Plan your DMV visit by making an appointment to visit a field office. DMV offices closest to the Conejo Valley include Thousand Oaks (Avenida de los Arboles), Ventura, Simi Valley,. Oxnard and Santa Paula. San Fernando Valley DMV locations include Winnetka, Van Nuys and Granada Hills.

Prepare for your visit as follows:

1. Bring proof of your identity (original or certified copies only). It should show your date of birth, true full name (sorry, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Cher, this goes for you too). Documentation can include a current, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. birth certificate, Permanent Resident Card or other items.

   Note that the identify document must show your current true full name; multiple name change documents are required if your name has changed multiple times. So for example, you’ll need to bring a certified marriage certificate if your current legal name is different than on your birth certificate or other identifying document.

2. Bring proof of your full Social Security number (SSN) in the form of either an original Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, pay stub or other items.

3. Bring two printed documents showing proof of California residency which list your first and last name and residence listed on the ID card application. It must show a physical address, not a P. O. box. Items you can use include mortgage bill, signed rental agreement, home utility bills, employment documents, property tax bills, etc.

4. You will also need to complete an ID card application. The California DMV strongly encourages residents to complete applications online at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/forms/dl/dl44. It is available in 10 languages (sorry, no Pig Latin though). Register for and complete the form online and when you arrive for your appointment, DMV staff can access and process the form. Easy peasy.

5. Application fee is $30 for the ID card ($35 for a non-compliant driver’s license).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE REAL ID CARD?

Usually within 60 days by mail.

Learn more at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

My experience getting a REAL ID card in August 2019.

IRS Advises Taxpayers to Keep Economic Impact Payment Notice with Other Tax Recrods

The IRS advises that people who receive an Economic Impact Payment in 2020 should keep Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, with their tax records. This notice provides information about the amount of their payment, how the payment was made and how to report any payment that wasn’t received.

For security reasons, the IRS mails this notice to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the payment goes out. It’s especially important for people to keep this notice if they think their payment amount is wrong. When they file their 2020 tax return, they can refer to Notice 1444 and claim additional credits, if they are eligible for them.

Taxpayers should keep this notice filed with all their other important tax records. These include, W-2s from employers,1099s from banks and other payers, other income documents and virtual currency transaction records.

Learn more about the Economic Impact Payments at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.