 TITLE: Can Someone Find Out If You’re Unemployed From a Credit Report? CONTENT: How to Manage Debt When Unemployed\n----------------------------------\nLosing your job can be emotionally draining—especially if it happens abruptly. But unfortunately, while unemployment may put your life on hold, it doesn't place your debt on hold. With just a few exceptions—including federal student loans, which offer payment plans based on income, and measures taken during special circumstances such as the COVID-19 crisis (more on that below)—creditors will still expect you to keep making your debt payments.\nMissed payments can have a lasting, yet temporary, impact on your credit score. And while the thought of paying bills when you have no income can be daunting, staying on top of your debt will help you in the long run. If you do miss payments, know that there are steps you can take in the future to get back on track rebuilding your credit.\nIf you're trying to navigate repayment while unemployed, here are a few tips that can help:\n*   **Make at least your minimum payments.** Making your minimum payments will keep your accounts current and prevent any late or missed payments from showing up your credit history. Paying a bill late, or not at all, can severely damage your scores. Paying the minimum on your account might cost you more in interest over time, but it's a small price to pay to protect your scores for the long run.\n*   **Explore all resources available.** If you're unemployed, you may be eligible for programs in addition to unemployment benefits. Beyond what you can collect from your state through unemployment, other government resources through your city, county or the federal government may be available.\n    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment benefits have been expanded to those who otherwise would not have been eligible to receive benefits. If you've lost your job due to COVID-19 and think you may qualify, contact your state's department of labor as soon as possible to see if you're eligible to receive benefits.\n*   **Contact your creditors.** While not all creditors will adjust your repayment plan if you lose your job, some might be willing to work with you to help you avoid getting behind on payments. Many lenders have systems in place, such as forbearance or deferment, for those facing financial hardships.\n    If you've been impacted by COVID-19, there may be special resources available to help you through this difficult time. To help consumers navigate this, Experian has created a resource list of financial, non-financial and government institutions offering relief to people impacted by COVID-19.\nAs always, if you are worried about your credit, make sure to monitor it often so you're aware of any changes that take place. You can check out Experian's free credit monitoring service to stay on top of your reports and scores. END