HowToLiveWorse

CHAPTER 07 · 22 SOURCE ENTRIES

Surviving Broke

没钱的时候怎么活

[← 回总目录](../README.md) 这一节算的是钱和保障。能领多少钱、能免多少钱、能得到什么服务、要满足什么条件，都写在里面，不折算成寿命。政策每年都在变，各地也不一样，所以金额和门槛都以你所在地当年公布的为准。条目的排序是：不花钱、手续少、见效快的排在前面。要攒长期资格的、各地差别大的排在后面。只凭经验、没有官方文件的放在最后。 本节条目按主题分成下面几块，括号里是条号。 **丢了工作**：在线申领失业保险金（第 1 条），就业困难人员认定（第 12 条），领职业培训补贴（第 13 条）。 **被欠工钱**：先投诉劳动监察（第 2 条），申请法律援助（第 3 条），被欠了工钱先分清

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07-001
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Apply online for unemployment benefits if you’ve lost your job

失业了先在线申领失业保险金

If both your employer and you have paid into the yibao (basic medical insurance) system for at least one year and you didn’t resign voluntarily, you can receive payments after completing unemployment registration. If contributions total between one and five years, benefits last up to 12 months; between five and ten years, up to 18 months; and for ten or more years, up to 24 months. During this period, the unemployment insurance also covers your employee medical insurance premiums. The total number of years of contributions is 1999.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Apply online for unemployment benefits if you’ve lost your job” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-002
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

First file a complaint with the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, then apply for final and binding one-instance arbitration — both options are free, and most cases yield results within a few months.

被欠薪先投诉劳动监察，再申请劳动仲裁，两条路都不收费，多数案子几个月内有结果

Both processes cost nothing. Start by calling 12333 or visiting the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau’s labor inspection office. Within 60 working days of acceptance, they will investigate and can order the employer to pay wages; failure to comply results in an additional penalty of 50% to 100% of the owed amount. If that doesn’t work, file for arbitration, which must be concluded within 45 days. However, “case closure” does not guarantee payment: if the employer has no assets or the owner has fled, even a favorable ruling may leave you unpaid. In 2024, the total amount of wages successfully recovered through enforcement efforts reached 2.3 trillion yuan.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “First file a complaint with the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, then apply for final and binding one-instance arbitration — both options are free, and most cases yield results within a few months.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-003
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

If you can’t afford legal fees, apply for free legal aid – cases involving unpaid wages, alimony, or workplace injuries all qualify.

打不起官司就申请法律援助，讨薪、赡养费、工伤这类案子本来就在范围内

If you’re trying to recover unpaid wages, claim alimony, secure social insurance or dibao benefits, or seek compensation after acting in defense of others, you’re eligible for free legal aid. Just call 12348 or visit your local legal aid center. Since 2022, you no longer need to return to your hometown to obtain proof of financial hardship – a simple, honest statement of your financial situation is enough. For defendants facing the death penalty, or those who are blind, deaf, mute, or minors, a lawyer is assigned regardless of their financial status.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If you can’t afford legal fees, apply for free legal aid – cases involving unpaid wages, alimony, or workplace injuries all qualify.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-004
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

When you have nowhere else to turn, go to a shelter – they provide food, lodging, and even a ticket home

走投无路时去救助站，管吃住和返乡车票

Shelters provide food and a place to stay; if you fall ill, they send you to a hospital and help you contact your family. Those who can’t afford a ticket home receive one. Generally, you may stay no longer than 10 days. Entry and departure are completely voluntary – it’s not a detention center, and no cash is handed out. Tickets are issued based on your household registration or current residence, so think carefully about where you want to go before you arrive.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “When you have nowhere else to turn, go to a shelter – they provide food, lodging, and even a ticket home” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-005
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Use free public employment services and gig platforms first — avoid paid agencies

找活先用免费的公共就业服务和零工市场，不找收费中介

Public agencies like employment service centers and human resources markets provide job matching, career guidance, policy advice, and both employment and unemployment registration — all completely free of charge. The law explicitly forbids them from charging for these services. Registering on gig platforms and posting job listings there is also free. Use this same registration to apply for unemployment benefits or to be recognized as someone facing employment difficulties.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Use free public employment services and gig platforms first — avoid paid agencies” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-006
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Apply for emergency assistance when unexpected crises occur

突发变故先申请临时救助

If a sudden crisis strikes — like a fire, car crash, or a family member’s sudden serious illness — and it temporarily overwhelms your ability to cover basic living costs, you can apply for emergency assistance through the township government or subdistrict office. You do not need to already be a dibao recipient. Most often, a one-time payment is issued; the amount varies widely by region.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Apply for emergency assistance when unexpected crises occur” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-007
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Apply for dibao if your household income falls below the local threshold

收入低于当地低保线就申请低保

If the total household income divided by the number of members stays below the local dibao threshold and your family’s assets also meet the requirements, you can apply. As of late 2024, the average monthly dibao amount nationwide was 798.1 yuan per person in cities and 593.9 yuan per person in rural areas. What you receive is the dibao line minus your household’s per-person income. Owning property, a vehicle, or significant savings, or having children capable of supporting you, may disqualify you from receiving dibao.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Apply for dibao if your household income falls below the local threshold” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-008
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Apply for the two disability subsidies using a disability certificate

持残疾人证的去申请残疾人两项补贴

Disabled individuals living in dibao households can receive a living subsidy. Those with a disability rating of level 1 or 2 who require long-term care are eligible for a care subsidy as well. Both subsidies may be claimed simultaneously. Each province sets its own amounts, which vary widely; check with your local office for exact figures. Bring your second-generation disability certificate and file one application at the subdistrict or township office.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Apply for the two disability subsidies using a disability certificate” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-009
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Do not miss the annual 400‑yuan payment for basic medical insurance; subsidies are available for low‑income households

居民医保每年 400 元不要断，困难户可减免

Individuals must pay a minimum of 400 yuan each year, and the government adds roughly 700 yuan per person as a subsidy. Those in extreme hardship get the full amount covered, while dibao recipients receive a set contribution. Missing a payment has consequences: anyone who fails to enroll during the enrollment window or who interrupts payments faces a three‑month waiting period before coverage takes effect; each additional year without payment adds another month to that waiting period.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Do not miss the annual 400‑yuan payment for basic medical insurance; subsidies are available for low‑income households” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-010
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

When suffering from a serious illness, first use yibao, dibao, medical assistance, and register for cross‑regional treatment — avoid online loans

得了重病先走医保、大病保险、医疗救助和异地备案，不碰网贷

The sequence is fixed. Before any cross‑provincial hospitalization, register through the “National Medical Insurance Administration” WeChat account; this allows direct settlement at discharge without paying the full amount upfront. If the post‑reimbursement cost remains high, apply for medical assistance at the township or subdistrict level. Employees are granted a medical leave period of 3–24 months based on seniority, during which they cannot be fired. Steer clear of online loans and high‑interest private borrowing. In total, 120 people have benefited from this system.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “When suffering from a serious illness, first use yibao, dibao, medical assistance, and register for cross‑regional treatment — avoid online loans” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-011
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Replace a lost ID card immediately; get a temporary ID if you need it urgently

身份证丢了立刻补办，急用先领临时身份证

For standard replacements, the new ID card is issued within 60 days from the date you submit the application. If you need it right away, you can also request a temporary ID card on the spot; it is delivered within three days and remains valid for three months. Without an ID card, you cannot apply for jobs, rent housing, open bank accounts, or receive government benefits — it is a prerequisite for all such procedures.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Replace a lost ID card immediately; get a temporary ID if you need it urgently” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-012
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

After registering as unemployed, seek recognition as a person facing employment difficulties to receive social insurance subsidies or placement in public-interest jobs

办失业登记后争取就业困难人员认定，拿社保补贴或公益性岗位

Once recognized, you can receive subsidies for your own social insurance contributions — generally up to two-thirds of what you actually pay, for a maximum period of three years. If you are hired by an employer or placed in a public-interest job, the employer also qualifies for subsidies covering its portion of social insurance costs. Wages for these public-interest positions are set at or near the local minimum wage. While pay is modest, these jobs provide social insurance coverage, making them ideal as a transitional step. Keep in mind that most social insurance subsidies are paid retroactively, meaning you must pay the premiums first.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “After registering as unemployed, seek recognition as a person facing employment difficulties to receive social insurance subsidies or placement in public-interest jobs” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-013
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Apply for vocational training subsidies, employment internship subsidies, and social insurance subsidies during unemployment — don’t pay for training courses out of pocket

失业期间去领职业培训补贴、就业见习补贴和社保补贴，别自费上培训班

You won’t have to pay for training at all. If you complete a qualifying course and obtain the required certificate, you can receive a vocational training subsidy — up to three times per person. Recent college graduates who haven’t found work within two years, as well as unemployed youth aged 16–24, may also join employment internships and receive basic living allowances during that time. First, check your local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau website for the “List of Eligible Vocational Training Subsidies” — don’t sign up for paid courses on your own.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Apply for vocational training subsidies, employment internship subsidies, and social insurance subsidies during unemployment — don’t pay for training courses out of pocket” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-014
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Job hunting isn’t just about sending resumes — use a systematic approach: learn skills, set goals, and ask for help

求职别只投简历，用系统方法：学技巧、定目标、找人帮

When we combine data from 47 studies, people who took part in job-hunting coaching are 2.67 times more likely to land a job than those who didn’t. The most effective parts of this coaching are: learning concrete job-hunting techniques, clearly describing yourself, setting clear goals, taking proactive action, and asking others for help. The last point translates to asking friends or contacts for referrals and introductions.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Job hunting isn’t just about sending resumes — use a systematic approach: learn skills, set goals, and ask for help” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-015
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

No deposits, no ID retention, no “training loans”, no pyramid schemes, no usurious loans

不交押金、不押证件、不签「培训贷」、不进传销、不借高利贷

Employers are not allowed to keep your ID or other documents, nor demand any deposits or payments under any pretext. Violators must return all money and face fines ranging from 500 to 2000 yuan per person. If a job placement fails, recruitment agencies must refund any fees paid. “Training loans” that require upfront payment for training, as well as pyramid schemes that pay out based on recruiting new members, are both officially flagged as scams. For private loans, any interest exceeding four times the one‑year LPR is not enforceable by courts, though the principal must still be repaid.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “No deposits, no ID retention, no “training loans”, no pyramid schemes, no usurious loans” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-016
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Public rental housing for those with housing difficulties

住房困难先排公租房

You must meet three criteria simultaneously: you must have no housing locally, or your living space must fall below the required standard; your income and assets must also be below the set limits; and migrant workers must have held steady employment locally for a minimum period as stipulated. The exact waiting queue period is announced by local authorities. This is a long-term solution that won’t provide immediate relief, but signing up costs nothing, and the earlier you apply, the sooner you may be called.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Public rental housing for those with housing difficulties” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-017
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Keep food and housing costs to a minimum: opt for monthly shared housing instead of daily rentals, and cook at home or use senior meal services rather than ordering takeout.

把住和吃压到最低：合租月租代替日租，自炊和助餐食堂代替外卖

In 2025, food accounted for 29.3% and housing for 21.7% of average national per‑person spending — together they make up over half of total expenses, so cutting these two categories yields the biggest savings. Based on the author’s experience, monthly rent for shared housing is cheaper than daily rentals, and cooking at home is less costly than ordering food. When job hunting, ask whether housing and meals are provided; such positions effectively eliminate these major expenses.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Keep food and housing costs to a minimum: opt for monthly shared housing instead of daily rentals, and cook at home or use senior meal services rather than ordering takeout.” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-018
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Don’t panic if your social insurance lapses: pension is calculated cumulatively, medical insurance is restored per rules

社保断缴不要慌：养老按累计算，医保按规则补

Pension benefits are based on total years of contribution, not on continuous service. A break in payments doesn’t reset the count; once you’ve accumulated at least 15 years by retirement age, you’ll receive monthly payments. Employees who have met the required contribution period no longer need to pay for medical insurance after retirement. Exact thresholds vary by region, so call 12393 for details in your area. The only real impact of a lapse is on eligibility for local programs that demand uninterrupted contributions, such as home‑buying, residency registration, or points‑based incentives.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Don’t panic if your social insurance lapses: pension is calculated cumulatively, medical insurance is restored per rules” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-019
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Even those who have served time, filed for bankruptcy, or ended up on a blacklist still have legal avenues to start over — provided they complete all required procedures.

坐过牢、破过产、上过失信名单，法律上都有重来的路，先把手续走完

Former inmates cannot be discriminated against regarding employment, education, or social insurance; the government must provide support to those in need. If a person was under 18 at the time of the crime and received a sentence of five years or less, their record is sealed, so they need not disclose it when joining the military or applying for jobs. The blacklist stays active for two years; once debts are paid, courts must remove the name within three working days. Adults, however, cannot have their criminal records sealed and must disclose them when enlisting or seeking employment.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Even those who have served time, filed for bankruptcy, or ended up on a blacklist still have legal avenues to start over — provided they complete all required procedures.” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-020
Evidence BmoneySource-sensitive

Before facing a serious illness, consider adding a one‑year medical or critical‑illness policy to your basic medical insurance; make sure it includes the phrase “guaranteed renewal”.

大病之前，基本医保之外配一份一年期医疗险或重疾险，看清「保证续保」四个字

These policies cover the portion of medical expenses that your yibao (basic medical insurance) does not pay, as well as any income lost while you’re unable to work. When shopping for a policy, look for the exact wording “guaranteed renewal”; without it, the plan may be discontinued or its price raised the following year. Be truthful about your health history — any concealment can lead to a denial of claims. First, make sure you’re enrolled in basic medical insurance; then you can consider this extra coverage.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Before facing a serious illness, consider adding a one‑year medical or critical‑illness policy to your basic medical insurance; make sure it includes the phrase “guaranteed renewal”.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-021
Evidence CmoneySource-sensitive

If there’s nowhere else to sleep, 24‑hour venues can only serve as a temporary overnight stop; shelters should be the first choice.

实在没地方睡，24 小时营业场所只能应急一晚，优先去救助站

Airports and train stations can provide a place to spend the night; they have restrooms and power outlets. Yet no official data confirms they’re safe. Keep valuables close, decline food or drinks from strangers, and avoid isolated corners. It’s unsafe to sleep under bridges, by rivers, or at construction sites at night. Shelters offer free food and lodging — go there first.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If there’s nowhere else to sleep, 24‑hour venues can only serve as a temporary overnight stop; shelters should be the first choice.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
07-022
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

If wages are owed to you, first figure out who actually employed you: unlicensed workshops and labor subcontractors still go through labor inspection; only work for a household or individual as a private helper belongs in court

被欠了工钱，先分清雇你的是谁：没执照的作坊和包工头照样找劳动监察，给家庭或个人干私活才去法院

A workshop or store without a license can still be reported to labor inspection and taken to labor arbitration; the owner can be held personally liable. If a labor subcontractor on a construction site owes wages, the general contractor or project owner must pay. Only when you work for a household or individual as a private helper — for example as a nanny — is it not a labor dispute; you must sue in court.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “If wages are owed to you, first figure out who actually employed you: unlicensed workshops and labor subcontractors still go through labor inspection; only work for a household or individual as a private helper belongs in court” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

Source snapshot: a994b6a0c90598b0fe15cb837343f438dbf7b95d. Every original stays available in Chinese alongside the English edition.