This paper examines the survival strategies of the unemployed by using the data from the 2008, 2010–2011 and 2012 National Income Dynamics Study. We find that in response to unemployment and almost no unemployment insurance, unemployed individuals look to parents, relatives and friends for economic support. They are more likely to attach themselves to households that have some income through an employed member or receipt of state support. In many cases, the unemployed delay setting up their own households while others move back into family households when faced with persistent unemployment. We use a probit model to show that the unemployed who move are more likely to be employed when interviewed the second or third time. The effects of moving on employment status are significant and positive when we take into account household and individual characteristics. Moving allows the unemployed to get ahead.