Survival Tips for the Unemloyed (LA TIMES)

The Sunday Edition of the LA Times had some interesting articles on survival tips for the unemloyed, and good info for the rest of us. Other ways to buffer your budget:

Cutting back on insurance for your car or home.
Switching to generic prescriptions
Elliminating or downsizing your cable TV, Internet and cell phone service. (I did that over a year ago, and have never picked it back up, found it wasn't necessary).
Eating at home, and shopping for discounts. Leftovers are also great - I have barbequed chicken today, and tomorrow it's in my enchiladas and then it's in a chicken salad," said Marguerite Womack, director of economic and workforce development for united Way of Greater Los Angeles.
Talk to your creditors - it could help avoid a ding to your credit rating, which could stick around as an unhappy reminder of your tough times.
To keep collection agencies at bay, send a portion of the bill regularly and pay off high interest credit cards first or transfer the balance to a low interest card. Try the safety net.
There are a range of services to those who are unemployed including Temporary ssistance for Needy families, which provides state and federal assistance to low-income families with children.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture administers several food assistance programs, including food stamps and food distribution,.
Church Groups and charitable organizations ar another option.
United Way, for example partners with Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services to help prevent foreclosure and pay back loans.

Take temporary work Where to find assistance:
Money Management
The following agencies have free or low-cost services for managing your debt and dealing with creditors: National Foundation for Credit Coiunseling Call (800) 388-2227 or check the agency's website at www.debtadvice.org

The American Assn. of Debt Management Organizations has a help line at (800) 270-6696 that directs consumers to counseling agencies. Or go to www.aadmo.org and click the Find a Credit Counselor button.

Utilities:

The following utilities and agencies offer discounts and help with bills:

The California Public uTILITIES cOMMISSION OFFERS LIFELINE, A DISCOUNT TELEPHONE PROGRAM: cALL (866) 272-0349 OR CHECK THE AGENCY'S WEBSITE AT WWW.CPUC.CA.GOV AND GO TO cONSUMER pROGRAMS AND iNFORMATION AT THE cOMMUNICATIONS TAB.

Southern California Edison: Visit www.sce.com and click on Income Qualified Programs under the Rebates & Savings button or call the customer service line, (800) 655-4555.

The California Dpt. of Communitiy Services and Development can help offset energy costs:

Click on the Programs tab at www.csd.ca.gov or call 866-387-6280. HealthIn Orange County visit the Health are Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com and click on the Public Health Services link for clinics or call (800)564-8448 for services.

Employment: United Way helps support the 211 telephone hotline, which can connect you to a job counseling resources and many other programs. Visit www.211.org and plug in your Zip Code.

There are also WorkSource career centers around the state: Call 888-226-6300 or go to worksourcecalifornia.co