Fernanda Figueroa | THE RIDER
The Hidalgo County COVID Condolence Program (HCCP) has been established to help individuals who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19, with up to $2,000 for funeral expenses.
“We understand the heartbreak and hardships our residents are facing as they deal with the untimely death of their loved one,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez said in an Aug. 9 news release. “This program will help alleviate some of the financial burden they are facing.”
The program is run by the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department, whose staff will interview and determine eligibility of applicants.
The following criteria will determine eligibility:
- a resident of Hidalgo County,
- COVID-19 related cause of death,
- affected by COVID-19 due to loss of income,
- income below 300% Federal Poverty Income Limits (for more information visit, https://www.hidalgocares.org/media/Pages%20from%20APPROVED%20HCCCP%208.5.20%20-%20REVISED.pdf ),
- household composition, and
- have signed quote or contract from the funeral home.
More than $2 million were allocated for the program through funding from the CARES Act. The program will remain until funds are disbursed.
Individuals must apply to the program before finalizing any funeral services. If deemed eligible, the Eligibility Specialist will sign and fax, or email, the funeral home a voucher from the HCCP in the amount of $2,000 and instructions on how to submit payment.
To apply visit www.hidalgocares.org/covidcondolenceprogram or apply in person at Hidalgo County Health and Human Services. Office locations can be found by visiting https://www.hidalgocares.org/media/Pages%20from%20HCCCP%208.5.20.pdf.
This program is only available for funeral expenses after eligibility has been determined. There will be no reimbursements for expenses that already occurred.
Hidalgo County is also offering the Hidalgo County CARES Small Business Grant Program, to help with costs related to business disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“A lot of people have lost family members, jobs, they’ve lost their way of living and these assistance programs will help them get back on their feet during one of the most difficult times in modern history,” said Carlos Flores, the Student Government Association vice president for Brownsville.
The program is run by PeopleFund who provide assistance to applicants. Funding for this program is provided through the CARES Act and will be awarded on a first-come, first serve basis until all funds are dispersed.
To be eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:
- located in the unincorporated area of Hidalgo County (businesses located within city limits of any city in Hidalgo County are not eligible),
- demonstrate that it has experienced a loss of income of at least 10% due to COVID-19 since March 2020,
- demonstrate that it was in operation as of Oct. 1, 2019, and
- have a total net income under $250,000 but no less than $10,000.
Businesses that are eligible could receive a grant in the amount of $5,000 or $10,000. Grant money may only be used for operating expenses, and may not be used to pay property taxes.
To apply visit, www.hidalgocares.org/SmallBusinessGrantProgram.
