What would you do if you were laid off from a job? While you looked for a new position, you’d likely cut expenses as much as possible and begin drawing on any savings you have to pay the bills you can’t avoid. As time went on, you might turn to family, friends, and community institutions for assistance. With luck, you’d qualify for federal unemployment insurance benefits, and the $300 a week on average that they provide would be a critical support. At the same time, you might wind up putting groceries or gas on your credit card -- and then having trouble paying that bill.