Whether you've been laid off or have chosen to take some time away from work to regroup, the time between jobs can be unsettling. The uncertainty that comes from no longer having a regular paycheck can be stressful. Here's how to keep your spirits up — and your bills paid — when you're between jobs.

Apply for Benefits

First things first. Apply for unemployment and any other assistance programs you think you might be eligible for. Start your benefits search and application process at benefits.gov

Rework Your Budget

When you're between jobs, a bare-bones budget is your best friend. This is a budget that cuts out all discretionary spending and strictly covers needs: housing, food, utilities, transportation, and bills. While it might seem extreme, it will keep you going when you're working with a reduced income.

Try Temp, Gig and Freelance Work

It can be challenging to make ends meet on unemployment alone. You can supplement your benefits by doing temp work, gig work or using your skills to freelance. Just make sure you fully vet any opportunities before committing to them. Scammers love to prey on vulnerable groups, such as people looking for work.

Also, be aware that income you make over a certain amount may cause a reduction in your unemployment benefit. These amounts vary by state.

Get the Word Out

Now is the time to network. Let friends and family know you're looking for new opportunities. Leverage your contacts through faith communities, book clubs, exercise classes — even your kids' school drop-off — to get the word out that you're open to new job prospects.

Think About Your Future

Take this time to reflect on the past and think about what you want your future to look like. Do you want to stay in the same line of work? Maybe you're ready to go back to school or pursue a career change. Or perhaps you've had an idea for a small business you'd like to get off the ground. Time away from work can be a good chance to do the deep thinking that's hard to make time for when your schedule is full.

Keep Busy

When you're not tied to a work schedule, it can be easy to let the days get away from you. Try to structure your days and stick to a routine of some sort. Set aside time each day for networking, online job searching, and other productive activities. You can also take advantage of this time to work on household projects or even take a class — which can turn into another networking opportunity. Have interview outfits for both in-person and video interviews ready to go; you never know when the next opportunity is going to arise.