Filing for federal assistance is as easy as a click of a button, but that doesn’t mean it's going to be a walk in the park.

  • FEMA to assist Irma-affected Manatee County residents
  • Residents can go to locations to get help filing for federal aid
  • Filing for assistance should take less than 30 minutes

During the next few weeks, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will set up across Manatee County to help people file for federal help if they don’t want to do it online on their own.

"We want (people) to come in and talk to us, so we can direct them," FEMA crew leader Melinda Rousos said. "If we don’t have the answer, we'll hopefully be able to find out for them."

Filing for assistance takes about 20 minutes, but FEMA applicant Susan Jackson's case is a reminder that each one is different.

"You're going to have to have patience when you come here," Jackson said. "My sister said she had come down here, telling me it’s much quicker -- you won’t be there that long," Jackson chuckled.

After the form is filled out, an inspector will come to your home within a few weeks, depending on the number of inspectors available in the area. After that, FEMA may follow up within a few days or up to a few weeks, depending on if something is missing or incorrect in the inspection.

Whether an applicant has insurance will also play a role in how quickly they may see help.

"If you have insurance, FEMA has you in their system, but they are going to have you wait for the insurance information," Rousos said. "They’re going to need from the insurance how much they’re going to cover or participate, because FEMA can’t duplicate benefits," she said.

However, there are some things FEMA cannot assist with.

If food was lost while your power was out, FEMA cannot refund you for those lost items. Also, although customers can claim mold damage to their home, FEMA cannot go in and personally remove the mold. Finally, FEMA cannot do anything about restoring power to an area. That would be through the electrical company.

If you would like to meet with a representative in person, here are the times and dates assistance will be offered:

Braden River Library

  • 4915 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton
  • Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Manatee County Central Library

  • 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton
  • Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Island Library

  • 5701 Marina Drive
  • Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Palmetto Library

  • 923 6th Street W.
  • Thursday, Sept. 21 from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Rocky Bluff Library

  • 6750 US Highway 301 North, Ellenton
  • Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

South Manatee Library 

  • 6081 26th Street W.
  • Friday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
  • Friday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.