 TITLE: How to Manage Credit Card Debt If You’re Unemployed CONTENT: Contact Your Credit Card Issuers\n--------------------------------\nAs soon as you know you'll have trouble covering minimum credit card payments, ask your credit card issuers for help.\nDepending on the company, it may agree to reduce your interest rates or minimum payments. If you've already fallen behind and accrued late fees, request that those fees be waived. You can even ask for forbearance, which is a temporary hiatus from paying your bill.\nWhen you're honest and share that you're experiencing a temporary financial setback, your credit card issuer may come through as an ally. Having a long history of on-time payments with the company could also be an asset. If the issuer isn't willing to work with you, ask other lenders for assistance: You could qualify for a modification program through your student loan or mortgage lender, for instance, freeing up money for credit card payments.\nSome credit card issuers offer payment protection plans, which, for an ongoing monthly fee, will allow you to pause making minimum payments in certain circumstances. But these plans come with a range of eligibility requirements and limitations, which may make them difficult to fully utilize. Instead, consider setting aside the amount you'd pay for a payment protection plan in an emergency fund so you have the flexibility to cover bills when you need to. END