Post-layoff assistance

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- This holiday season folks are thinking more about their bottom line than presents and mistletoe, and some are just struggling to keep their heads above water.

Here's your guide to financial help.

First, if you've lost your job and you don't know where to file for unemployment or what benefits you qualify for, check out workforcesecurity.doleta.gov.

There is a two to three week waiting period before benefits start, so don't wait to apply.

If you want to find a local career center where you can search job postings or look for retraining opportunities, check out careeronestop.org.

If you have a pay dispute with your company after you're laid off, the Department of Labor has a number that you can call to help resolve your issue. That number is 1-866-4-USWAGE.

If you're older and you're having trouble making your utility payments or getting your prescription medicine, check out benefitscheckup.org. Here you can find out which federal, state, local or private programs are available to help you out.

Have you found it more and more difficult to make your monthly mortgage bill? Your first phone call, of course, should be to contact your lender. However, there are some government programs that can help you out.

Go to hopenow.com or call 1-888-995-HOPE. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also has a guide to avoiding foreclosure on its Web site at hud.gov.

HUD can also refer you to housing counseling agencies nationwide that can give you advice on defaults, foreclosures and reverse mortgages.

If it's the monthly credit card bill that's weighing you down, check out the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. That Web site is NFCC.org.

You'll be able to talk to a credit counselor one-on-one about your debt. These counselors may negotiate with your creditors on your behalf or you may be put on a debt management plan where your debt is wiped out in three to five years.