Manatee County
Ask about Manatee County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Manatee County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Manatee County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Public health · State office
Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, WIC Main Office
212 6th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Help here
- Women, Infants, and Children nutrition programEligible families can get healthy foods, nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on manatee.floridahealth.gov
Housing help · Regional office
Manatee County Housing Authority
5631 11th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Help here
- Public housing and rental assistanceAsk about public housing, rental assistance, and housing choice vouchers.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on manateehousing.com
Local office · Regional office
Suncoast 211
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 211 any time to find local help with housing, food, mental health, utilities, jobs, and other needs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hfuw.org
Older adults · County office
Manatee County Human Services, Aging Services Section
Help here
- Senior services and referralsCall the Elder Helpline for information about senior services, referrals, and help staying in your home.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mymanatee.org
Veterans · County office
Manatee County Veterans Services Office
1401 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Help here
- Veterans benefits assistanceVeterans and their families can get help applying for benefits and understanding claims.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mymanatee.org
Emergency help · County office
Manatee County Emergency Management Division
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and recoveryGet information about preparing for emergencies, alerts, special needs registration, and disaster recovery.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mymanatee.org
Jobs and training · Regional office
CareerSource Suncoast, Palmetto Career Center
600 8th Ave. West, Suite 100, Palmetto, FL 34221
Help here
- Job search and career servicesGet help with job searches, career planning, resumes, and training opportunities.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on careersourcesuncoast.com
Library · County office
Manatee County Public Library System
Help here
- Library materials and programsUse library materials, online resources, technology, and programs for people of all ages.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mymanatee.org
Manatee County Government website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Manatee County
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Feeding Tampa Bay
3624 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Step Up Suncoast
6428 Parkland Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Manatee County
Florida programs by kind of help
These are run by Florida and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Suncoast 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988