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Q:  I was temporary laid off in June 2008. I collected my vacation pay because of lack of work hoping things would pick up. I laid water main lines for one company that was later bought out by another company. My last pay was 6/27/08.  I draw an unemployment check and my wife is unable to work due to her health. By the time we pay our cobra insurance, utilities and car insurance, we barely have enough money for food.  Are we entitled to the percentage that is paid by the government and if not, why not?  We are in the same boat as the people that lost their jobs in September it just hit us earlier. The company I worked for had no work before September.

A:  To qualify for the stimulus plan, a person must have been laid off or termed from their position from September 1, 2008 and beyond.  Unfortunately, because the lay off happened prior to the start date for qualifying for the stimulus you are not eligible.  Because it seems that your spouse might have pre-existing conditions, it would be in her best interest to remain on the COBRA plan that you both are currently on.  However, if you do not have any preexisting conditions, you might want to check into other options for just you (leaving your spouse on the COBRA) such as permanent or short term insurance - depending on your needs.  These plans can be much less than COBRA continuation plans.  For more information regarding these plans click here.