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Question: How do I apply for unemployment?
Answer: You should contact your state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. Have necessary documents on hand to apply such as your Social Security Number, bank information for direct deposit, first and last day with your last employer, the reason for leaving, and any severance package information if applicable. UI has been expanded and will include benefits for self-employed individuals and members of the gig economy. Verify with your state what the process is for applying. State websites for applying for unemployment have been overwhelmed by the demand, so if the website fails to load or crashes, be persistent and try again.
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Question: I cannot pay my rent. How do I receive assistance?
Answer: CARES Act Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
In terms of help with paying your rent, the CARES Act provides the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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Question: My income has reduced. How do I prioritize my monthly household expenses?
Answer: Prioritize monthly household expenses according to the order of necessity. For example, start with Food; then Housing; then Transportation; then Utilities; then Credit and Debt. Where possible, reduce or eliminate expenses that are not necessary. Do not avoid contact with creditors. Creditors are aware of the situation. They can only help you if you continue to communicate with them.
Resource: Which Bills Should I Pay First
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Question: What legal and/or financial resources are available to assist me through this crisis?
Answer: Various nonprofit organizations, government resources, and financial technologies are available to assist you with challenges ranging from income and food supports, to eviction and shelter assistance. Some examples are 211.org, JustShelter.org, and DoNotPay.