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

We are a household of 18 and need to cut costs quickly. I worked as an electrician's helper before this. I am nervous about the credit card minimums. What helped the most?

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

Ask your utility about hardship programmes. Mine knocked a bit off my bill for several months.