Veterans Services

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Manatee County Veterans Services Division is devoted to helping Manatee’s 40,000 veterans obtain the benefits they earned during their service to our country.


Located on the third floor of Manatee County Administration Building, Veterans Services provides several channels of help for veterans, but Veterans Services’ top role is being an advocate for veterans seeking benefits that can be hard to obtain from many government sources, especially the Veterans Administration.


For services provided by the Veterans Services Division call (941) 749-3030
or e-mail a Veterans Services Specialist:

andrew.huffman@mymanatee.org
john.weldon@mymanatee.org
lee.washington@mymanatee.org

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Image Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

 

For further information, call a Veterans Specialist at (941) 749-3030.

 

Post 9/11 GI Bill Pamphlet

Post 9/11 GI Bill Website


Horses for Heroes

Image Horses for Heroes

Horses for Heroes is a therapeutic program for wounded veterans.  Some of the benefits of equine-assisted activities:

 

  • increased balance and stability
  • increased upper body strength
  • increased coordination
  • improved ability to focus and recall
  • improved long term and short term memory
  • improved morale and quality of life
  • restored confidence and a sense of empowerment and independence.

For more information, visit www.smartriders.org or call a Veterans Specialist at (941) 749-3030.

 

Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration

Image Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration

For information about compensation and pension for veterans, visit Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration for applications and forms, or call a local Veterans Specialist at (941) 749-3030.

 

Veterans Affairs Health Administration

For information about health benefits for veterans, visit Veterans Affairs Health Administration, or call a local Veterans Specialist at (941) 749-3030.

 

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

Image Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

For information about benefits for Florida resident veterans, visit the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, or call a Veterans Specialist (941) 749-3030.

 

Active Military Combat Duty Grant Program

  • Who may qualify for the Active Military Combat Duty Grant Program?  Military personnel, including active duty, activated guard duty or activated reserve duty personnel who own or owned property in Manatee County upon which they have homestead exemption and who served for any length of time in a designated combat zone during or subsequent to the 2003 tax year and any qualifying unremarried surviving spouse.
     
  • What may applicants apply for?  Reimbursement of the lesser of up to $1,500 or the actual amount of Manatee County's portion of the Ad Valorem Tax bill for each year for which they qualify.
     
  • How long do applicants have to apply?  Four years following the year during which the qualifying military personnel served in a designated combat zone.  The first year for which they may qualify is the 2003 Ad Valorem Tax Year.
     
  • Who administers the Program?  The Veterans Services Division of the Manatee County Community Services Department at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 303, Bradenton, FL 34205.
     
  • How do potential applicants obtain additional information to determine if they qualify for this Program?  Please call (941) 749-3030, ask for a Veterans Services Specialist and mention the Active Combat Duty Grant Program.
     
  • Note:  The grant will continue until funds are no longer available.