Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea?

I was laid off 17 weeks ago and have not told my family because I do not want them to worry. I worked as a data-entry clerk before this. Bills are coming up and I cannot keep this quiet.

I told my partner the same evening with a simple plan: what happened, what I was doing and what I needed. It was a relief.

Do not wait until a bill surprises them. The longer it goes, the harder it gets.