If you've been let go from your job, one of the first things you should do is make sure you will be entitled to unemployment and find out how long the benefits will last. In most states anyone who has been laid off after a minimum of six months with the company is entitled to collect benefits for 26 weeks. There is no shame in collecting what is due you. In many states you can file your weekly claims by telephone or over the Internet rather than having to stand in line at the unemployment office. And if you do have to go to the office, you will probably be amazed at the number of professional-looking people there.

In most states, an entrepreneur whose business fails cannot receive unemployment insurance. However, if you lose your job or your business because of a major disaster and are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance, you may be able to get Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This comes through the U.S. Department of Labor and is available to those whose employment or self-employment has been interrupted. More information is available at the DOL web site, here.

Hang in There!

If you'd like professional help, one web site we like is LaidOffCentral.com. You'll find news and resources for people who have lost their jobs, plus a few laughs at the company's expense. (Laughter is important at a time like this.)

Of course, we're here for you too, be it a job loss or another financial concern. You can always email us questions or read our advice here on Dolans.com to keep your financial house in order and help you get through the toughest of times.

If you want to get smarter about everything money, here's what we want you to do: Sign up for our FREE email tip-letter called Your Money Matters. It's loaded with advice to make your life simpler and more rewarding -- and it's FREE. Click here for details.

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