How do you handle bills on unemployment? - any advice?

My income is now a fraction of what it was as a retail manager and I am trying to cover the essentials. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. I am nervous about falling behind. What helped you?

Check for energy assistance programmes. I got a credit that covered two bills.

I called each lender and asked for a hardship plan. Two agreed to lower payments for a few months.