Benefits · Utility Assistance

How to apply for Manatee County LIHEAP + Season of Sharing + EHEAP Emergency Aid

Manatee County Community and Veterans Services Department — Human Services Aging Section + Community Development Division

Who it's for

Manatee County's safety-net programs run through multiple paired pathways under the Community and Veterans Services Department. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides electric (and occasionally gas) bill assistance for income-eligible families in Manatee and Hardee counties. Season of Sharing (SOS) is a one-time emergency assistance program for Manatee and DeSoto county residents covering rent, mortgage, or utilities — strict one-time-only across the entire program history (households who have previously received SOS cannot reapply). The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) is a senior-specific energy crisis pathway for households with at least one member age 60+. Turning Points is the contracted one-stop center providing emergency rent and utility assistance to very low-income Manatee residents at risk of eviction or homelessness. All these programs share eligibility intake based on household size and gross income, with assistance on a sliding fee scale for residents at <200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply by booking online (the appointment system opens Tuesday-Friday at 8:00 a.m.) or by calling (941) 749-3030 to be screened for eligibility.

Manatee's safety-net programs have distinctive eligibility quirks: (1) Season of Sharing (SOS) is STRICTLY ONE-TIME — households who have received SOS in any prior cycle CANNOT REAPPLY, even years later. This is unusually restrictive among FL-cluster emergency-aid programs (most peer counties allow re-application after 12-24 months). (2) LIHEAP is available year-round subject to funding. (3) EHEAP is senior-specific (60+ household member). (4) Applications require either an online appointment (Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. opening) or a phone screening at (941) 749-3030 — walk-ins are not accepted for most components. (5) Turning Points is a separate contracted nonprofit safety-net partner that may have available capacity when county direct programs are closed. The sliding-fee gate is approximately 200% of the Federal Poverty Level; specific sub-programs may have stricter eligibility.

What you'll need

Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
Proof of Manatee County residency
Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, SSA-1099) for prior 30 days
Current utility bill or shut-off notice (LIHEAP / EHEAP)
Lease, mortgage statement, or eviction notice (SOS / rental assistance)
For SOS: confirmation that you have not previously received SOS in this or any prior cycle
Online appointment booking (Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. opening) or phone screening at (941) 749-3030

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 941-749-3030

Renewals

Season of Sharing is STRICTLY ONE-TIME (lifetime cap, no re-application); LIHEAP and EHEAP follow funding-cycle availability

Official source →Last verified · May 30, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.