How do you handle bills on unemployment? (update)

My income is now a fraction of what it was as an accountant and I am trying to cover the essentials. Any experience at all would help. The rent is fixed and the car payment is high. Did lenders work with you?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

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