Nothing in life is free — unless, apparently, you're unemployed. Last week, Virgin Mobile announced a plan that waives up to three months of wireless phone charges if you get laid off. It follows similar plans from carmakers Ford, General Motors and Hyundai.

"With the unemployment rate rising, the fear of job loss or salary reductions have made consumers watch every dollar," Dan Schulman, chief executive of Virgin Mobile USA, said in a statement.

The tiny print about the plan: It's only for monthly plans without annual contracts; you must be employed to enroll; and you must be on a monthly plan for at least two months before claiming benefits. Virgin Mobile will pay up to $90 per month for three months. It also is offering a nationwide prepaid plan designed for heavy texters starting April 15. The plan offers unlimited text messaging for $19.99.

Virgin Mobile is offering this plan in part because unemployment issues tend to affect its prepaid base more than its wireless users, Schulman said.

Payments of $90 a month are not as significant as the hundreds of dollars a month the car companies might waive for people who get laid off, said Justin Manfredi, director of client services at Door Agency, a Los Angeles advertising company. But the message Virgin is sending will resonate with consumers, said Manfredi, who has worked with the GM and Saturn brands.

"It's more the idea that the company is thinking about you as a consumer and putting you first," he said.

Many companies have been taking the economy into account with their advertising messages. Hyundai in January was the first to offer insurance for people who get laid off. Its plan allows a customer who loses his or her job within a year of buying a car the opportunity to return it.

GM and Ford announced similar programs this month — but those carmakers will pick up an owner's payments. GM's plan will make as many as nine car payments of as much as $500 each for car buyers if they are laid off within two years. Ford will pay up to $700 a month for a year.