Who is eligible to receive funds?
All expectant mothers in Dearborn who are 16 weeks pregnant or more are eligible to enroll.
What if I gave birth before November 1, 2025? Can I still apply?
No, families who welcomed babies before Nov. 1, 2025, are not eligible to apply. This is due to program regulations that specify that eligibility is limited to babies born after the participating community’s launch cut off.
What can the money be used for?
Rx Kids does not impose any restrictions on how the money can be spent. Families have used Rx Kids to cover expenses such as healthcare, housing, transportation, formula, groceries, diapers, toys, and essential child equipment, including cribs, strollers, and car seats, to keep their babies safe.
How do I apply and what do I need to submit to apply?
Dearborn residents can apply online by clicking the application link. All necessary documents and information needed to apply can be found here. You can expect to be contacted within 2-4 weeks of submitting your application. This notification will be sent to the email address and/or phone number that you provided in your application.
How much money will mothers receive?
Mothers are eligible to receive a one-time $1,500 transfer upon enrollment during 16 weeks of pregnancy or more, followed by up to 6 monthly payments of $500 after an infant is born.
Why Dearborn?
The City of Dearborn is Michigan’s fastest growing city, with a birth rate consistently 60% higher than the state average. The City of Dearborn faces a significant crisis of child poverty, with 37.9% of children living below the federal poverty line. This rate is 12 percentage points higher than the overall poverty rate of 25% in Dearborn and significantly higher than the Michigan rate of 13.5% and the national rate of 11.5%.
How is Rx Kids Dearborn funded?
Rx Kids Dearborn is being funded by a combination of county, state, and federal grants, in addition to private philanthropic donations. These grants have been specifically designated to support maternal, infant, and child programs in our community.
How will this program help Dearborn families?
For many families, income drops and poverty rise around the time a child is born, just when babies need the most support for healthy development. These early months are critical, yet families often struggle to afford basic needs. By increasing economic stability, housing stability, food security, nutrition, and healthcare uptake, these payments can improve infant and maternal health and wellbeing, as well as longer-term outcomes. Additionally, delivering cash to all mothers and infants can stimulate economic activity and have a positive impact on entire communities.
Does enrolling in RxKids impact the public assistance or government benefits I am currently receiving?
Rx Kids cash is classified as a private gift below the federal maximum, making it non-taxable and allowing it to not count against many other programs and public benefits. Note: SSI/ Disability is the only public benefit for which a waiver has not yet been successfully received. GiveDirectly (the program administrator) has benefits counselors who can discuss the potential impact with potential participants.
