If you did not qualify for the government's stimulus check last summer based on your 2007 income, but have suffered a blow to your earnings, you may be eligible to apply for a recovery rebate credit on your 2008 return. The stimulus checks were for as much as $600 per person or $1,200 per couple and phased out at annual income of $75,000 per person ($150,000 for couples). You'll need to stay below those income thresholds, so think about that before accelerating any income. But if you do qualify the cash is yours through proper tax filing.