Apply for unemployment benefits to help you temporarily.
Approximately 14.1 million people in America are unemployed, according to a June 8, 2011, update by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of these, some have already finished their term of unemployment checks and others have had to deplete their savings to make ends meet. If you find yourself jobless in America, you must learn survive without a paycheck and at least get help with the essentials, such as shelter, food and health care.
Instructions
1. Apply for unemployment benefits at your county's department of economics. Depending on your work history, you might qualify to receive temporary unemployment benefits in the form of a check that constitutes a small percentage of your most recent hourly wage or salary.
2. Tap into your savings and any other emergency funds you might have. Ask to borrow money from close family or friends if you feel comfortable doing so.
3. Apply for government-assisted health benefits. If you are jobless, you may not be able to afford private health care insurance. Government assistance health care plans are available to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.
4. Research the charities in your area. Find out if any organizations such as donation centers, shelters, community centers or churches are giving out food boxes to those without jobs. Some charitable organizations may even be able to pay for one month of your utilities, mortgage or rent.
5. Sell what you don't need. Hold a garage sale and get rid of anything you can spare. If you are jobless and struggling to survive, money is more valuable than those old picture frames, books, night stands and shelves.
6. Move in with a friend or relative. A temporary transition relieves you of the burden of having to continue paying for your rent, mortgage or utilities when you cannot afford to do so. In exchange for their hospitality, offer to help clean and cook for your friends or relatives.
7. Adapt to a frugal lifestyle. Only spend money on food and necessary items, such as prescription medication and warm clothing. Use the bus or public transportation instead of driving your car as gas is expensive.
8. Keep searching for jobs. Take what you can get. Any paycheck is better than no paycheck.
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