New RxKids Logo
Dearborn Public Health Department

Rx Kids Dearborn

Rx Kids is a cash payment program for all expecting moms and babies in the first six months of their life. The program provides up to $4,500 per family, which include: 

  1. 1) a one-time prenatal payment of $1,500 at 16+ weeks of pregnancy (this prenatal payment is not issued if you apply after your baby is born)

     

  2. 2) and $500 per month for six months after the baby's birth

     

Rx Kids Dearborn launches Nov. 1, 2025!

 Apply Here

Rx Kids Frequently Asked Questions

ali and dr Mona

Who is eligible to apply?

All expectant mothers in Dearborn who are 16 weeks pregnant or more are eligible to enroll. Rx Kids eligibility requirements are:

You are a resident of Dearborn, MI
You are currently 16+ weeks pregnant OR are the parent/guardian of a child who is 6 months old or younger, born after your community’s cut off (November 1, 2025)
You are 18 years of age or older OR you are 16 years of age and have your parent or guardian’s consent

To apply for Rx Kids, you will need documents that show your identity, your residency in Dearborn, and your pregnancy/guardianship status.

childatpark

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.

baby

How much money will mothers receive?

Mothers are eligible to receive a one-time $1,500 transfer upon enrollment during 16+ weeks of pregnancy, followed by up to 6 monthly payments of $500 after an infant is born.

Please note that the one-time $1,500 prenatal payment is not issued if you apply after your baby is born.

stroller mom

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:

Child equipment, including cribs, strollers, and car seats, etc
Groceries and food
Healthcare and related costs
Housing, utilities, transportation, and other bills
Baby formula, diapers, toys, and more
stroller mom

How do I apply and what do I need to submit to apply?

Dearborn residents can apply online by clicking the application link below. All necessary documents and information needed to apply can be found here. You will need documents that show:

Your identity
Your Dearborn residency
Your pregnancy/guardianship status

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.

Online Application Here

Rx Kids - Additional Questions

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. 

Can guardians other than the mother receive payments?

Only birthing parents can receive the prenatal payment ($1,500), as it’s intended to support development in utero. Infant payments are intended to follow the child, so if a birthing parent is not the baby’s primary caregiver, the primary caregiver, including fathers, adoptive and foster parents, and other guardians can sign up for the program.

Why are all pregnant mothers eligible, not just low income?

Rx Kids provides financial support to all families with newborns, not just low-income families, to reduce stigma, break cycles of poverty, and empower families to make choices that benefit their children. 

Where can I find more information?

Additional information about application eligibility, requirements, how Rx Kids works, and the impact can be found in the link below.

Learn More