Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - 26 weeks in

I have been out of work for 26 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. It has been weighing on me all week. I looked up ranges in Chicago and they vary a lot. What did you say?

Benefits matter too. A slightly lower rate with better coverage was better for me.

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.