Resources for the unemployed

Here's a sampling of resources available for the jobless.

Money management

The following agencies have free or low-cost services for managing your debt and dealing with creditors:

* National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Call (800) 388-2227 or visit the foundation's consumer website www.debtadvice.org.

* The American Assn. of Debt Management Organizations has a help line at (800) 270-6696 that directs consumers to counseling agencies. Or go to www.aadmo.org and click the Find a Credit Counselor button.

Utilities

The following utilities and agencies offer discounts and help with bills:

* The California Public Utilities Commission offers LifeLine, a discount telephone program: Call (866) 272-0349, or check the agency's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov and go to Consumer Programs and Information at the Communications tab.

* The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has a special rate: Call (213) 481-5411, or go to www.ladwp.com and click on the link under Low Income Customers.

* Southern California Edison: Visit www.sce.com and click on Income Qualified Programs under the Rebates & Savings button, or call the customer service line at (800) 655-4555.

* The California Department of Community Services and Development can help offset energy costs: Click on the Programs tab at www.csd.ca.gov or call (866) 675-6623.

Health

These county public health departments can steer you to low-cost health clinics in your area:

* In Los Angeles County, go to the Department of Public Health website at www.lapublichealth.org and click on the Services link, or call the County Health and Nutrition Hotline at (877) 597-4777.

* In Orange County, visit the Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com and click on the Public Health Services link for clinics, or call (800) 564-8448 for services.

* In Ventura County, call (800) 781-4449 or visit countyofventura and select Health Care Agency after clicking on the See Full Department Listing link.

* In Riverside County, visit the Riverside County Department of Public Health website at www.rivcoph.org and click on the Family Care Centers button, or dial (800) 720-9553.

* San Bernardino County also has a list at www.co.san-. Click on the Clinics link or call the Department of Public Health at (909) 387-6280.

Employment

These resources can help with your job search:

* United Way helps support the 211 telephone hotline, which can connect you to job counseling resources and many other programs. Visit www.211.org and plug in your ZIP Code.

* The state Employment Development Department has a list of One-Stop Career Centers as well as an online CalJOBS database; go to www.edd.ca.gov.

* There are also WorkSource career centers around the state: Call (888) 226-6300 or go to worksourcecalifornia.com.

Source: Times research