Kenmore 35922 clogged but don't know where

I've followed the manual re: how to unclog, but it's got to be clogged further up than the hose, because when I disengage it (as I would if I were using attachments), there's no suction. If it's further up, I can't figure out how to take it apart to get at whatever is clogging it. This machine worked great until now, and I can't afford to get it fixed, I just lost my job :( .

Help, I'm at my wit's end.