The Handy Bus service is a door-to-door public transportation service provided for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the regular fixed route buses. It’s an advanced reservation, shared-ride service operated with accessible Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant vehicles.

Eligibility requirements vary by program. Program determination is based on verification of the written application and may also include professional verification and/or an in-person functional assessment.

For more information on ADA Paratransit Service and Transportation Disadvantaged Services, please call (941) 748-2317 or visit the MCAT (Manatee County Area Transportation) website.

 

Floridians can use the MyACCESS Portal to apply for, manage, and renew their government assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits.  For more information visit www.myflfamilies.com/MyACCESS.

Customer Call Center: (850) 300-4323; agents are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. SNAP is a federal program administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). ESS is responsible for determining eligibility for SNAP using federal guidelines.

The Florida Department of Children and Families does not have a physical location in the Bradenton area; however, local community partner agencies can answer questions and help with applications, providing access to public assistance services. 

Assistance is also available in Sarasota:
Sarasota One Stop Service Center: (877) 595-0384
1864 17th Street
Sarasota Florida 34234

Assistance is based on a sliding fee scale for Manatee County residents with incomes less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For more information, please call (941) 749-3030.

EHEAP (Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program) assists households with at least one person aged 60 and over with payment of electric bill final notices, deposits, and past due notices. Assistance level is based on funding availability.

Eligibility is based on household size and gross income. Call (941) 749-3030 to be screened for eligibilty.

Uninsured residents of Manatee County may be eligible to get help with the cost of prescriptions.

Who is Eligible:

• Residents ages 18 and over with incomes less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Residents ages 60 and over with incomes less than 125% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Applicant must be completely uninsured. 

Note: This is a program of last resort. Any other available prescription assistance shall be utilized and exhausted prior to an eligible recipient receiving assistance.  Residents are eligible for six months.

For more information, please call (941) 749-3030.

Manatee County manages many grant-funded programs to assist elderly residents. The programs provide services which enable seniors ages 60 and older to remain in their homes or the home of their caregiver. Some programs require a
co-pay based on a sliding fee scale developed by the state. Nursing home and Assisted Living care is avoided or delayed through use of the following services:

• Homemaker:  Service includes housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, laundry services, and shopping for groceries, medical supplies and incidentals.
• Personal Care:  Services are directed at preserving the health of the elderly by assisting with personal hygiene and dressing, changing of bed linens, and preparing small meals.
• Emergency Alert Response:  An electronic surveillance service that monitors homebound seniors by linking them to a communication response center, which responds to emergencies.
• Home Delivered Meals:  Furnishes a nutritious noon-time meal delivered to the client's home.
• Medical Transportation:  Service available to elderly persons who are without a method of traveling to medical appointments.
• Adult Day Care:  Benefits adults who may be isolated and can profit from participation in a group setting.
• Respite Care:  Affords supervision and companionship in the home, for physically disabled or mentally impaired seniors. This program is designed to periodically relieve the primary caregiver.
• Community Referrals:  Program involves connecting seniors to other services available in the community  (such as legal services) which are provided on a volunteer or at cost basis.

For more information, call the Manatee County Elder Helpline: (941) 742-5818.

These housing links may be searched for suggestions:

• Florida Housing Search
• Volunteers of America - Manatee County
• Manatee County Housing Authority - Public Housing/Section 8
• Bradenton Housing Authority - Public Housing/Section 8
• Affordable Rental Housing List (2023)

Several organizations offer food distribution sites for those in need:

Feeding Tampa Bay:
Feeding Tampa Bay website
(813) 254-1190

Meals on Wheels Plus:
Meals on Wheel Plus website
(941) 747-4655

Florida Department of Children and Families:
Floridians can use the MyACCESS Portal to apply for, manage, and renew their government assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits.  For more information visit www.myflfamilies.com/MyACCESS.

• Customer Call Center: (850) 300-4323; agents are available
  from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771
• SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. SNAP is a federal program administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). ESS is responsible for determining eligibility for SNAP using federal guidelines.
• The Florida Department of Children and Families does not have a physical location in the Bradenton area; however, local community partner agencies can answer questions and help with applications, providing access to public assistance services. 
  
• Assistance is also available in Sarasota:
  Sarasota One Stop Service Center: (877) 595-0384
  1864 17th Street
  Sarasota Florida 34234

Need help with pet food and supplies? Manatee County Animal Services offers a year-round Pet Food Pantry Program.  Please call (941) 742-5933 to arrange for pickup of supplies at their Palmetto shelter location or at the Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.

This is a list of subsidized senior housing locations in Manatee County.  Please contact each individual location for eligibility and waiting list information.

 

Public Housing and Section 8