Surviving Without Income: A Practical Guide to Basic Needs

Having no income doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up homeless and hungry.

While it may sound like a preposterous idea to most people, the truth is you really can manage to live without any kind of income (at least for a little while). As long as you have food and shelter, which are the most basic necessities, you can live without earning a cent while you figure out what you're going to do. And though many people wouldn't choose to make the sacrifices necessary to live this way, it is possible with a little help from your family, friends and maybe the government.

Step 1

Save up enough money to survive in case you need to live without an income for a while. Sock away at least three to six months of living expenses for an emergency. This way you can continue to pay your bills and live your current lifestyle until you start receiving income again.

Step 2

Eliminate your housing payment. Move in with friends or relatives, ask your church to help you find a place to live, or skip around to different shelters.

Step 3

Secure a steady food source. Food stamps are available to those who meet certain eligibility criteria, or friends and relatives may be able to provide you with food. Go to soup kitchens, church gatherings and food banks to get hot meals and possibly leftovers to take with you.

Step 4

Get seasonal clothes and accessories, such as gloves and scarves, if your area's climate requires them. Charity drives and churches often help clothe people with limited or no income. Ask your friends and relatives for hand-me-downs.

Step 5

Secure some sort of transportation. Buy a bicycle from a second-hand store, ask a friend to take you to work or borrow a car.