Debt Consolidation for the Unemployed: How to Tackle Debt When You’re Between Jobs

Debt consolidation is a proven form of debt relief, but it may not be the best choice if you've just lost your job or are collecting unemployment. DebtHammer breaks down some alternatives.

According to a May 2022 LendingClub survey, around 64% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Living paycheck to paycheck is not an issue isolated only to low-income people. It can happen to anyone at any income level. So what happens if you lose your job?

Will you be able to consolidate your debts to keep the bills paid?

Focus on your job search first

Debt consolidation after a job loss will be tricky – but not totally impossible. If you can prove that you still have the ability to make monthly payments, have a steady source of income or got a severance package, qualification will be easier. However, there are a few things that should be higher on your priority list before worrying about debt consolidation.

Pro tip: Your top priority should be finding a new job. It will be easier to consolidate debts – and pay bills – when you have a steady paycheck. You still may be able to consolidate debts while collecting unemployment, but you’ll end up paying more in the form of higher APRs. Job searches don’t necessarily need to be expensive since many job posts and applications are online. Social media, such as Linkedin, is a great place to start a search.

READ MORE: Need money now? How to get free money and other assistance

Complete these 12 steps ASAP

  1. File for unemployment benefits: While this procedure differs in each state, unemployment benefits are not instant. The faster you file, the sooner you’ll start getting benefit payments — as long as you’re eligible.
  2. Make a budget: Calculate any income and savings. How much money is in your bank account? Account for mortgages and car payments first because those both need to be a priority. Assess your other expenses. Do you still need a premium cable package? Is there a cheaper cell phone plan that will work for you? Tally up your subscriptions and determine whether you truly need them in the short term. If you aren’t sure how to get started, sign up for a free budgeting app.
  3. Make sure your basic needs are covered: If you’re worried about food costs, you may be eligible for food stamps or free school lunches for the kids. A car will be a priority since you’ll need transportation (and it could offer some income if you have time to deliver meals or groceries for a delivery service). Reduce energy consumption to cut utility bills. And don’t forget health insurance: Did your severance package include coverage? Is there a plan that meets your needs at HealthCare.gov? If those prices are out of your budget, there are short-term policies that will cover you in a crisis.
  4. Call your creditors: If you have been laid off, contact your creditors — the sooner, the better. Do not wait until you’ve missed payments and have fallen significantly behind. Your lender may offer a hardship program where your payments can be frozen, your interest rates lowered or may offer forbearance until you find a new job. Ask if minimum payments could be reduced or whether late fees could be waived.
  5. Contact your auto loan lender: Ask if payments can be temporarily deferred.
  6. Contact your student loan provider: Request that your loans be placed in forbearance.
  7. Call your utility company: Ask about payment plans or any relief they can offer.
  8. Continue to make your minimum payments: If you skip them, you could pay late fees, which add up quickly. If you can’t make the minimum payment, call your creditor, explain the situation and ask if any programs could help you.
  9. Does the government owe you money? Approximately one in 10 Americans have unclaimed property. Your state will have a database, or if you’ve lived in multiple states, you can try a multi-state search.
  10. Talk to a credit counselor: The consultation will usually be free, and the credit counseling agency will be able to advise you on whether debt consolidation is a realistic option based on your financial situation. They will also help you with money management advice.
  11. Pull your credit reports: Learn your credit scores. See how much you owe and to whom you owe it. Look for any errors that could be dragging down your score. Start taking steps to boost your credit score. Bad credit scores don’t only affect your odds of borrowing money — the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act says potential employers may review your credit score, so a bad credit score could keep you from finding a new job.
  12. Look for government assistance: The government will not help you repay credit card debt, but it offers programs that may be useful. File for unemployment as soon as possible because the process can take a while. Recognize that each state has its own guidelines for unemployment claims, so you’ll need to check on the filing process in your state.

READ MORE: Debt consolidation pros and cons

Pro tip: Are you severely depressed due to your unemployment? If so, help is available. Please dial 988 to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It’s open 24 hours a day. You DO NOT need to be suicidal to call the crisis lifeline. Anyone with emotional distress can call. Sometimes it helps to talk things through with someone else.

Other programs to investigate include:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Social Security
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • Food pantries
  • Soup kitchens

Pro tip: A good credit history could help lenders approve your financial hardship, as unemployment could be seen as a short-term setback.

READ MORE: How does debt settlement affect your credit score?

Ask yourself why you want to consolidate debts

Are you struggling to make payments during your job loss, or are you simply looking to simplify your finances while searching for a new job? Debt consolidation can be a good option if your credit score is good and you have significant savings or a severance package. If you need debt relief because you can’t make your payments, try the above steps first. If that doesn’t work, there are still some other options for debt relief.

READ MORE: How to consolidate debts and best loan options

Pro tip: It is challenging for the unemployed to consolidate debts due to the monthly payment requirements. All debt consolidation plans require a monthly payment, and lenders like to see borrowers have a source of income for repayment. Missed payments on any debt consolidation plan can negatively impact your credit score and you could end up making your debt issues worse instead of better.

READ MORE: How to qualify for a debt consolidation loan in six easy steps

Other ways to get your debt under control

  • Can you use a secured loan? It may be tough to meet eligibility for a loan if you have no income, so you could put up something as collateral to make it a secured loan. Offering collateral would mean the lender would take ownership of these items if you default on your repayments. Collateral can include vehicles, jewelry, art, coins, investments, or other valuable assets.
  • Is a home equity loan an option? For homeowners, a home equity loan or line of credit could be a viable option to consolidate your debt while unemployed. Be aware that you will jeopardize your home if you default on your payments. This type of loan for debt consolidation tends to have lower interest rates than all other kinds of loans, longer loan terms, lower monthly payments, and a predictable payoff process if you get a fixed-rate loan.
  • Do you have a co-signer or guarantor? Finding someone willing to vouch for you on a loan application may help you qualify for a debt consolidation loan or balance transfer credit card.
  • Apply for a Payday Alternative Loan: These small loans issued through credit unions can help you cover a sudden emergency expense without the sky-high interest rates and quick repayment deadlines of a payday loan.
  • Talk to a debt settlement company: A debt settlement company will negotiate with your creditors, and you likely will end up repaying less than you owe. Only certain unsecured debts are eligible for debt settlement. Debts like child support, alimony and utility bills cannot be settled.
  • Try a Debt Management Plan: These are usually set up and managed by nonprofit credit counseling agencies. The credit counselor will negotiate with creditors to lower your interest rates and will set up a repayment plan. There will be a monthly fee for this service that usually ranges from $25 to $55. Other counseling services are free.
  • Consider bankruptcy: If you qualify, Chapter 7 bankruptcy could offer a fresh start. This should be a last resort, though, because your credit score will be severely damaged for several years. If you think this is your best option, please contact an attorney for legal advice.

READ MORE: Types of bankruptcy

Will I be able to get a new loan or credit card if I am laid off?

While it’s possible that you might be able to get accepted for a new loan or credit card while unemployed, it isn’t the best idea. It could encourage overspending, and your interest rates will likely be significantly higher.

READ MORE: Does debt consolidation close credit cards

Avoid payday loans

A payday loan might seem like a way to get some quick cash when unemployed, but it can be a vicious cycle that will leave you in worse debt than you started. Find a different way to get the funds you need. 

If it’s too late and you’ve already turned to payday loans, please follow these steps to get out of payday loan debt.

READ MORE: Best debt consolidation loans for military vets

The bottom line

Choosing the right option for your specific circumstance for debt consolidation will give you the best shot at getting approved. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of all available avenues. Check your credit report before applying and see if you can improve on this before applying for the loan.

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