Thousands of unemployed auto workers packed Michigan s Palace of Auburn Hills for two free "Comedy Stimulus Shows" hosted by Jay Leno last week. It was an evening of free refreshments, free parking and free laughs.

The "Tonight Show" host isn't the only one trying to lift the spirits of unemployed workers by giving stuff away. Businesses across the country are offering laid-off workers access to everything from free medical services to free college courses.

The Rabbit Hill Inn in northern Vermont, for example, is offering a free two-night stay to couples (at least one spouse must be unemployed) each month from April through July and again in November to December. Walgreens (WAG) is offering unemployed patients (and their families) free visits to its in-store clinics. (Deals like these come on the heels of another recent trend: Layoff protection plans that promise customers refunds in case they lose their job. Read more about these plans here

The move may not be entirely charitable on the business's part: After all, many of the unemployed workers who'll take advantage of the deals will eventually find jobs and start spending again. Plus, it's good publicity.

While some consumers may see these deals as the thinly-disguised marketing gimmicks, there are still some pretty significant deals to be had. And, in this economy, consumers should try to catch every break they can, says Paula Brantner, executive director of Workplace Fairness, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that provides information about workers rights.

Just how "free" is it?

Buyer beware: Many of these great "free deals" require you to spend some cash first. Someone who s just lost his income probably shouldn't be spending the money for four nights at the Recreo Costa Rica just to get a fifth night free, for instance.

Look for repeat offers

Ask businesses that offered deals in the past whether they plan on doing so again. MacCallum House Inn in Mendocino, Calif., for example, gave away a free night s stay and held a job mixer and seminar with area recruiters on March 26. A spokeswoman says the inn will likely host a similar free event this summer.

Check eligibility requirements

Figuring out if you qualify for these freebies will require reading the fine print. Some programs have very specific requirements regarding applicants employment situations. To qualify for free medical services from Walgreens, patients must be unemployed and uninsured since March 31, and they must have received services at a clinic before getting laid off.

Show proof

Be prepared to show documentation of your employment status. Applicants who want to take free courses at the Oregon Institute of Technology will have to present a letter from their previous employer certifying that they worked there full time for at least six months prior to being laid off.

Here are some of the latest perks and promotions being offered to unemployed workers: