NEW YORK — You can finally indulge in that vacation to Paris. And if you lose your job and suddenly need the money back, the airline will give you a refund.

It's a foolproof plan. Except that such deals usually come with strings attached.

As the unemployment rate marches toward 10 percent, retailers big and small have emerged with programs that let you walk away from purchases at no cost if you lose your job. The idea is to ease doubts about spending for those who feel uncertain about their finances.

Each promotion differs, but here's a rundown of three and what to watch for. All require an application and, in most cases, proof that you were laid off.

How it works: Citigroup will lower mortgage payments for unemployed homeowners to an average of $500 a month for three months or longer, depending on circumstances. The loan is considered in good standing, and is not reported as delinquent.


The fine print: If your spouse is also listed on the mortgage, you both need to be unemployed and at least one of you needs to have been laid off in the past year. If one of you works, annual income can't be more than $10,000.

Your mortgage also needs to be 60 days or more past-due or in foreclosure, but that term may soon be loosened.

“We're looking at expanding this to include those who are current on payments,” said Sanjiv Das, CEO of CitiMortgage. He said the change will likely happen before the end of the year.

Another concern: Your new payment must cover escrow, which is generally property taxes and insurance. So if your escrow is $500, the payment would be at least that amount.

One reason the program sounds so restrictive is that it's more of a safety net for those who don't qualify for the federal loan-modification program, which requires an income.

“This was meant to catch those that fall through the cracks,” Das said.


The lesson: Unemployment alone may not be automatic qualifier; there could be numerous factors you need to meet to be eligible.

How it works: Get a refund for bookings made after Feb. 1. If you booked flights for your entire family under your name, you could get refunds for up to nine seats in a single reservation.

The program is also available for JetBlue Getaways, which are packages that include plane tickets and hotel reservations.


The fine print: Bookings made with gift cards, vouchers and the JetBlue awards program are not eligible. If your refund application isn't approved, JetBlue still cancels the flight and charges a $100 cancellation fee. Requests must be faxed at least 14 days before the flight's departure date, and an original copy of the request must be sent by certified mail to JetBlue.

The person who booked the flight also has to be the person who lost his or her job; so you can't get a refund if you lose your job but your spouse booked the flights.


The lesson: The payment method you choose - and the person who makes the purchase - could determine whether you qualify.

How it works: Free health care services at Walgreens' in-store Take Care Clinics for customers who lost their jobs on or after March 31 and have no health insurance benefits. Treatments are limited to common ailments such as colds, seasonal allergies, pink eye and minor skin conditions.

Dependents such as spouses, same-sex partners and children are also covered if they don't have insurance. There are about 350 Take Care Clinics across 19 states.


The fine print: You must have been a paying customer before you lost your job. A standard visit usually starts at around $65.

The program is also only available 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Medications aren't covered, and neither are preventive visits - like checkups, flu shots or physicals.

“(The program) is in no way intended to be a substitute for COBRA or health insurance,” said Gabe Weissman, a spokesman for Take Care Health.


The lesson: The offer might not include a full suite of services, so think over whether the deal would cover all your needs.