Budget after a layoff: what did you cut first? (update)

My income dropped to unemployment benefits and my bills have not changed. There are 9 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. Rent and the car are the biggest costs. Did any lender work with you?

I called the landlord and the card company early. Both offered a short payment plan, which I did not expect.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.