What's the final verdict on the Stimulus Bill? (some quick questions)

[The Animator]

I've been out of the loop for a while, I currently have no internets at home. Last I heard, it passed, but I don't have any details. Do we (public citizens) get another stimulus check, or is it all going to the guys who got us into this mess in the first place?

I've been self-employmed (read jobless) since early December am running out of the copper wire I've been stretching my pennies into. I've heard talk about tax breaks... but for the hundreds of thousands of us who are already out of work a tax break doesn't do shit.

I filed my tax return in late January, and my refund (read one month's rent) came and went. I've tried web searching for more information on the Stimulus Bill, but all I've been getting are links to Right Wing blogs bashing it.

I need some real answers. Is there another check in the mail or what?

[marketcrazy1]

1. Is there another check in the mail?

NO! that will come with the next "stimulus" package. should be announced around the end of July so they can get the checks in our hands by October/November......

[sandnsea]

2. Do you get unemployment?

There's extra money in unemployment checks, and an extension. Extra money in food stamps, etc. No check, but if you go back to work you should get more each week.

There are some new small business loans. Why not try that?

[The Animator]

3. I don't recieve unemployment.

I wasn't laid off, I was fired due to excessive absences. That disqualifies me from receiving unemployment benefits. I know I've got no one but myself to blame for the mess I'm in now, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm unemployed at pretty much the worst time in recent history to be out of a job.

I'm actually using this setback as an opportunity to go back to school and get my degree. (That's doing my patriotic duty, Obama said so!) It's a two year commitment as a full time student to complete my chosen degree track, so I would have had to quit my job anyway to make that happen.

I'll need to take out a crap-ton of student loans to cover all my expenses for two years (that's an American measurement crap-ton, not a metric crap-ton), and hope that the economy improves, in the two years I'll be there, to the point that when I finally graduate, I'll be able to find a job to pay off said student loans. I'll also be trying generate extra income as a part time freelance artist.

So, student loans are going to be the best option for me, I think, especially since I don't have to start paying them off until after I graduate. The trick is, I'm not sure if they are part of the federal student financial aid program or not. If they are then I won't be able to get any money until the Fall term, and I need to start taking classes this Summer to make sure I've got the Pre-Reqs to get into my chosen program.

Anybody have any input on student loans?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

4. The Animator, I'm so sorry to hear that. - I hope there are some good loans coming up for you

I lost my job and I am eligible for unemployment, but I have no clue how it works - I filled everything out but there's no notice from anyone in the govt. as to when the deposits are made, etc., as so many people are trying to file due to the mass layoffs.

As for the student loans, I sure hope someone has information on that. I'm interested myself. Hey, people, please advise.