According to recent data, 2008 marks the highest annual job loss since 1945 with a total loss of 2.6 million jobs--and forecasts for 2009 are not encouraging. If you recently lost your job or lose your job this year, there are a few things you can do to make the best of an otherwise bad situation.
1) Swallow your pride. This can be the most difficult obstacle because in the US we have this undercurrent of individualism that degrades those who ask for help. If it helps, the champions of this ideology are currently in Washington DC begging for handouts to keep themselves employed. The rules have changed, it's OK to rely on others for a while; in fact, embracing the idea of mutual support over cut-throat individualism may be our only way out of this debacle.
2) File for unemployment benefits, in some instances you can do this online. Benefits vary by state so check online to find out what kind of documentation you need to file.
3) Get food stamps now. Next to housing, the monthly grocery bill will drain your resources faster than anything else. The food stamp program is now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), find out if you're eligible online and visit your local SNAP office.
4) Along with foodstamps, consider supplementing with food from your local food bank (this link has a great foodbank locator).
5) If you have small children (up to age 5), don't hesitate to get on the WIC program. This will ensure a monthly inflow of healthy food for the kids.
6) Finally, if you have a little land, now would be a good time to consider planting a garden. It will help you feel more self-sufficient and pulling weeds can be quite relaxing.
7) File for medicaid , SCHIP or medicare to keep you and your family healthy.
8) Consider alternate housing options. If you're mortgage is too high, try to renegotiate a lower rate with your bank (tell them that you are looking at foreclosure otherwise and that time is of the essence). If you rent or are getting out of your mortgage (selling, renting, foreclosure, etc...), start looking for either a public housing arrangement, which, depending on your location, may entail getting on a waiting list, or find an apartment with lower rent.
9) Get back on the horse. Even while arranging for low income assistance, keep up the job search. Give yourself a goal of submitting X applications per day. Hit a range of employment possibilities: now is not the time to wait for that perfect job, get out and sling hash if you have to.
10) Keep morale up at home. Nearly everyone goes through tight times during their lives. Remember that this is only temporary. In the meantime, be careful to not take frustrations out on your kids or spouse; instead, circle the wagons and be supportive of each other--more so than usual.
11) Keep a tight rein on discretionary expenditures. Eat at home or sponsor a good old fashioned potluck for a change. Use your local library for internet, DVDs (consider comedies over drama or horror, see previous point), CDs and books. Take advantage of free local festivals, concerts, plays and lectures.
12) If you find that in the midst of job-hunting and applying for government assistance you still have time on your hands, start volunteering--this will feel empowering, get you out of the house and meeting people and contribute to a society-wide effort to confront the effects of the economic downturn.
Best of luck.
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