Resources for Individuals

These resources are for Manatee County residents who may now be unemployed or are otherwise seeking additional assistance. This page will be updated frequently to provide you with accurate resources from official sources.

Reemployment Assistance

The Reemployment Assistance Program provides state unemployment benefits for Floridians and also administers the additional federal funding assistance made available through the CARES Act.  To receive either benefit, you must apply through the Florida Reemployment Assistance Program. The links (in blue) below provide direct access to the application, federal funding information, FAQs and additional resources to help you navigate claiming unemployment in Florida.

• File a Reemployment Assistance Claim
• Frequently Asked Questions About Reemployment Benefits
• Additional Federal Funding Information  – This federal funding provides $600 per week in addition to any weekly state benefits.  This funding is available for the weeks of  unemployment beginning March 28, 2020, and ends the week ending July 25, 2020.  The CARES Act extended these benefits to independent contractors, gig workers and self-employed who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits.  Note: You must apply for federal benefits through the Florida Reemployment Assistance Program.

IRS Information for Individuals

The Economic Impact Payments (some refer to this as stimulus payments) are automatic for most taxpayers. If you want to check your payment status, confirm payment type or enter bank information for direct deposit, visit Get My Payment.  For other information about these payments including determining eligibility and non-filer payment information, visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments page.

The deadline to FILE and PAY federal income taxes is extended to July 15, 2020.  The IRS has provided  Filing and Payment Deadlines Q&As for this extension.

Human Resources Information

Employees were granted additional protections and relief by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).  The legislation provides employees with additional paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 through December 31, 2020.  To learn more about the paid sick or family and medical leave, please visit COVID-19 and the American Workplace.

Health coverage options for individuals who have lost employer-sponsored coverage can be found in this guide to Health Coverage Overview.

Job Resources

There are various job resources available to those looking for employment.  JobFocus.com  provides regularly updated and reviewed postings in the Manatee County Area.  CareerSource Suncoast provides job seekers with additional career services including education and training.

Community Resources

Access 2-1-1 Human Services by phone, email, chat or text (just text your zip code to 898-211). Reaching out will get you connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services.   The Season of Sharing Campaign helps individuals and families on the verge of homelessness and 2-1-1 is the starting point for this service.

The School District of Manatee County website has information on Free Grab ‘n Go meals for students 18 years and younger (includes lunch and breakfast).