Rx Kids — Document Guide

Find out exactly which documents to gather before you apply. Use the tabs to jump between sections. This checklist is a guide only — you still need to submit an official application.

⚠ All documents must show your full name and be clear, genuine and unaltered. Fraudulent documents result in immediate rejection.
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💊 What is Rx Kids?

Rx Kids is the nation's first community-wide cash prescription program for expectant parents and babies. It provides no-strings-attached cash payments during pregnancy and in the first months of a baby's life — money families can use however they see fit to meet their needs.

Rx Kids launched in Flint, Michigan in January 2024 and is now in 60+ communities in Michigan and Ohio. Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly.

💰 What payments can I receive?
Prenatal paymentA one-time payment of $1,500 once you are at least 16 weeks pregnant. You must apply before your baby is born to receive this payment.
Monthly payments$500 per month per baby during your baby's first months of life. Most communities provide up to 6 monthly payments; a select number of communities continue these payments through the first year of life.
✅ Basic eligibility requirements
ResidencyYou live within the boundaries of a participating Rx Kids community in Michigan or Ohio.
AgeYou are 18 or older, OR you are 16 or 17 and have your parent or legal guardian's consent.
Pregnancy or guardianshipYou are at least 16 weeks pregnant, OR you are the guardian of a baby who is 6 months old or younger and was born on or after your community's program start date.
Income and EmploymentThere are no income or employment requirements.
To apply you will need documents proving your identity, residency, and pregnancy or guardianship status. Use the tabs above to see exactly which documents are accepted.
📍 How to apply

Rx Kids is available only to residents of participating Michigan communities. Eligibility is based on where you physically live — not your mailing address or the nearest city name.

Rx Kids Ohio is available only to residents of specific Cleveland ZIP codes. Eligibility is based on your home address, which we verify automatically when you apply.

Even if your address includes the name of a participating city, you may not live within its official limits. Always check your address before applying.
Step 1 — Check if your community participates
Visit the Rx Kids communities page to see every participating location and their program start dates.
View participating communities →
Step 2 — Confirm your address falls within community boundaries
Use the Michigan Voter Information Center to look up your address and find your city or township clerk. Your clerk name tells you which community you officially live in — which is what Rx Kids uses to determine eligibility. You do not need to be registered to vote to use this tool.
  • If your program covers an entire county (for example, Clare County, Roscommon County, or Lake County) — any address in that county qualifies. You do not need to check your city limits.
  • If your program covers specific cities or townships only (for example, City of Jackson or Blackman Charter Township) — your address must fall within those city or township limits, not just have that city or township name in your mailing address.
Look up your address →
Step 3 — Check your documents
You will need documents for identity, residency, and pregnancy or guardianship. Use the tabs in this guide to see exactly what is accepted for each section.
Check your documents →
Step 4 — Submit your application
Online only — by computer, tablet, or smartphone. It takes about 30 minutes. There is no paper application.
Apply now →
Step 1 — Check if your community participates
Visit the Rx Kids communities page to see every participating location and their program start dates.
View participating communities →
Step 2 — Check your documents
You will need documents for identity, residency, and pregnancy or guardianship. Use the tabs in this guide to see exactly what is accepted for each section.
Check your documents →
Step 3 — Submit your application
Online only — by computer, tablet, or smartphone. It takes about 30 minutes. There is no paper application.
Apply now →
Payment methodDirect deposit to a bank account in your name, or a prepaid debit card.
After you applyWe will contact you within 2–4 weeks at the email or phone number you provide. You will have up to five attempts, within 60 days, to submit new documents if the review team asks for them.
Reporting your baby's birthWe will send you a form to your preferred contact method around the time of your due date. This form should be filled out after you give birth in order to begin your monthly payments.
Follow-up surveyAfter each payment you will receive a brief follow-up survey. If you do not complete the survey, you will not receive your next payment.
📋 Key details to know
Benefits protection

We have worked to secure protections for most public benefits. However, some may be affected: WIC — families also on FAP or Medicaid are protected; others may need to report Rx Kids payments. SSI — if you or someone in your household receives SSI, you will almost certainly experience a reduction in that benefit. Speak with your case worker if you have questions before applying.

GiveDirectly is working with Ohio state and local agencies to confirm that Rx Kids payments will not affect your public benefits. Until this confirmation is finalized, some public benefits may be impacted by participation in Rx Kids.

  • Medicaid: Rx Kids payments will not affect your Medicaid eligibility because they are structured as charitable gifts and are not considered taxable income under IRS guidance. Under federal Medicaid income calculation rules, this protection applies automatically to the majority of Rx Kids participants, including pregnant women, children, and parents or caretakers of children under 19. If you receive Medicaid through SSI or because of a disability, age, or blindness, please contact our support team before enrolling, as Rx Kids payments may affect your Medicaid eligibility.
  • Rental Assistance: Rx Kids payments will not affect your eligibility or rental assistance if you receive housing support through the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), including Section 8 vouchers. If you need written documentation, see this letter from CMHA confirming that Rx Kids payments qualify as nonrecurring income and are excluded from annual income calculations.
  • Food Assistance (SNAP) and/or Ohio Works First (TANF): If you receive SNAP or Ohio Works First, depending on your income level, you may experience a loss or reduction of these benefits if you participate in the Rx Kids program. We are working urgently with state and local agencies to confirm Rx Kids payments will not affect these benefits.
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Families participating in WIC who are NOT receiving Food Assistance (SNAP) or Medicaid may need to report Rx Kids payments in income calculations. If you receive WIC, we strongly encourage you to review WIC income requirements and speak with your case worker about the potential impact before enrolling in the program.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you or someone in your household receives SSI, you are almost certain to experience a loss or reduction of these benefits. If you receive SSI, we strongly encourage you to speak with your case worker about the potential impact before enrolling in the program.

Public benefits are complex, and there are many aspects of your financial situation to consider before enrolling. This online benefits loss calculator may be a helpful tool for understanding potential impacts on your benefits. See instructions here for using the tool. Please contact GiveDirectly’s support team with any further questions about your benefits.
Taxes Rx Kids payments qualify as a tax-exempt charitable gift under IRS rules. You do not need to report them as income on your tax return. Contact our support team if you need documentation.
Immigration status Rx Kids is open to all residents of participating communities in Michigan and Ohio. We will never ask about your citizenship or immigration status when you apply.

Please read this if you are not a U.S. citizen or green card holder: Rx Kids is funded through a mix of private and government dollars. Certain government funding, like cash assistance programs, can be considered in a future green card application. Because we want to protect our participants, we work to use private funding for anyone who may be at risk. While we make every effort to do this, we cannot guarantee how your individual case will be treated, and immigration rules can change. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to speak with an immigration lawyer before applying.
Bereavement If your infant does not survive, you can still receive bereavement payments if you are already enrolled in Rx Kids. Please contact our support team, who will walk you through next steps with care.
📄 Tip: When you've finished the identity, residency and pregnancy/guardianship sections you'll receive a personalized document checklist you can refer to when you apply.
🔍 Step 1 — Find your path
A
I have a photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, tribal ID, school ID, Green Card, etc.)
B
I do NOT have a photo ID — I only have a birth certificate or affidavit of parentage
C
I am a minor (age 16 or 17)

Which route applies to you?

📋 Step 2 — What every identity document must show
Your full first and last name (initials not accepted) and your date of birth. You also need a selfie taken during the application.
💡 Special situations
Not a US citizen or permanent resident?
Rx Kids is open to all residents of participating communities in Michigan and Ohio regardless of immigration status. You will not be asked about your citizenship or immigration status. If you have concerns, we encourage you to speak with an immigration lawyer before applying.
Case worker helping an applicant?
You can help applicants complete their own application, but all information — name, contact details, payment details — must be the applicant's own. Do not enter your own details.
📄 Tip: When you've finished the identity, residency and pregnancy/guardianship sections you'll receive a personalized document checklist you can refer to when you apply.
🔍 Step 1 — What is your housing situation?

Most people need 2–4 documents that show where they live. Use the selector below to find your situation and see exactly which documents count.

A
All my documents are in my own name and I live at my own address
B
Some or all documents are in a spouse's, partner's, roommate's, or parent's name
C
I am unhoused, staying in a shelter, or do not have a stable address
D
I am a minor (under 18)
E
I am staying in a hotel long-term, student housing, or other temporary situation

Which situation applies to you?

🔢 Step 2 — Choose a document combination
Option 1
2 × Category A documents
Option 2
1 × Category A document+2 × Category B documents
Option 3
4 × Category B documents
Rules for all documents: Must show your full name, address, and a date. No handwritten documents. No screenshots. No PO Boxes. You cannot submit two documents of the exact same type (e.g. two electric bills or two auto insurance statements — but two different utility types is fine). You will be given up to five attempts, within 60 days, to provide new documents if asked.
✅ Category A — date within 90 days
Utility bill (electric, gas/heating, water, sewer, trash, septic, landline, internet)
Full statement required — not a screenshot. Two different utility types OK; two of the same type NOT OK.
MDHHS letter or notice
Healthcare Coverage Determination, Redetermination, Review, Case Action, Student Info, Summer EBT, or Specialist Assignment. Appointment letters NOT accepted. Two letters with the same date of issue (same mailing) cannot be accepted. Verification checklists NOT accepted.
Ohio public benefits agency letter or notice
Social Security letter
Date within 90 days.
Letter from USCIS or DHS
Date within 90 days.
Unemployment agency letter
Date within 90 days.
Signed lease or rental agreement
Not month-to-month. Issued within 1 year, unexpired.
Mortgage statement or property tax statement
Issued within 1 year, unexpired.
Home or renter's insurance policy
Issued within 1 year, unexpired.
📄 Category B — date within 90 days
Auto, health, or life insurance bill
Two different types OK; same type NOT OK.
Medical bill or statement
Two different visits OK; same visit NOT OK. Patient profiles NOT accepted.
Court order or jury summons
Two from different cases OK.
Month-to-month lease
Category B only.
Recent driver's license
Must show current address. Category B only.
Postmarked mail
Must show name, address, and postmark date.
Notarized Rx Kids attestation letter from homeowner
Also requires homeowner photo ID + one Category A doc in homeowner's name. Contact support for the form.
📄 Tip: When you've finished the identity, residency and pregnancy/guardianship sections you'll receive a personalized document checklist you can refer to when you apply.
🔍 Step 1 — Find your situation
A
I am currently more than 16 weeks pregnant and applying before my baby is born
B
My baby has been born — I am the birthing parent
C
My baby has been born — I am the father or non-birthing parent
D
My baby has been born — I am the legal guardian

Which route applies to you?

⏱ Step 2 — Key rules before you gather documents
Applying while pregnantApply as soon as you have a pregnancy document showing that you are more than 16 weeks pregnant (normally referred to as gestational age or GA). If approved, you will receive the $1,500 prenatal payment and monthly postnatal payments after you give birth. The prenatal payment is based on your submission date — applicants who submit while still pregnant are eligible for the prenatal payment even if their application is approved after the baby is born.

If we can't verify your eligibility within 60 days of applying, your application may be rejected and the prenatal payment forfeited — contact support if you need more time.
Applying after birthYou are not eligible for the $1,500 prenatal payment. You may still receive monthly payments if your baby is 6 months old or younger AND was born on or after your community's program start date. File the infant birth form as soon as possible — back payments cannot be issued for missed months.
📍 Participating Communities
📋 Not sure if your address qualifies? Use the Michigan Voter Information Center to look up your exact city or township — that's what Rx Kids uses to determine eligibility.

Rx Kids is available to residents of the following Michigan communities. Your baby must be born on or after your community's program start date. Even if your city name appears in your postal address, you may not live within official city limits — always verify before applying.

Rx Kids is coming to Ohio. Check the details below to see if your ZIP code is included.

Zip codes 44103, 44110, 44114 – Cleveland
Start dateBabies born on or after September 1, 2026
Prenatal paymentA one-time payment of $1,500 at or after 16 weeks of pregnancy. Only issued if you apply while pregnant.
Monthly (postnatal) paymentsUp to 6 monthly payments of $500 — stops on baby's 6-month birthday.
Rx Kids is expanding. New communities are being added regularly. Check rxkids.org/communities for the most current list.
💊 What is Rx Kids?

Rx Kids is the nation's first community-wide cash prescription program for expectant parents and babies. It provides no-strings-attached cash payments during pregnancy and in the first months of a baby's life — money families can use however they see fit to meet their needs.

Rx Kids launched in Flint, Michigan in January 2024 and is now in 60+ communities in Michigan and Ohio. Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly.

Prenatal$1,500 One-time, once you are at least 16 weeks pregnant. You must apply before your baby is born.
Monthly$500/month Per baby. Most communities provide up to 6 months; some continue through the first year.
To qualifyUniversal Everyone in participating communities is eligible.

Who can apply

  • You live inside a participating Rx Kids community in Michigan or Ohio
  • You are 18 or older — or 16–17 with a parent or guardian’s consent
  • You are at least 16 weeks pregnant, or you are the guardian of a baby 6 months or younger
  • The baby was born on or after your community’s program start date

Eligibility depends on where you physically live — not your mailing address or the nearest city name. An address can include a participating city’s name and still fall outside its official limits, so check before you apply.

You need all three: one identity document, one residency combination, and a pregnancy or birth document. Every document must show your full name. No handwritten documents and no screenshots.

1Identity

Must show your name and your date of birth. Photo ID is preferred.

Never submit

  • Social Security cards
  • Insurance cards
  • Voter registration cards
  • Documents with initials instead of full name
  • Handwritten documents of any kind
Photo ID preferred

Current, or expired less than 1 year ago.

  • Driver's license or learner's permit
  • State or county ID card
  • US or non-US passport
  • Military ID
  • Native American tribal photo ID
  • School ID with photoMinors only. Must include your date of birth — school IDs without a date of birth are not accepted.
  • Green Card, Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570), or Certificate of US Citizenship (N-560/N-561)
If you have no photo ID

Must still show your full name and date of birth.

  • Birth certificate
  • Affidavit of parentage
Minors aged 16 or 17

You must be at least 16. You will be asked to name a legal guardian.

  • School ID with photoMust include your date of birth — school IDs without a date of birth are not accepted.
  • State or county ID card
  • Driver's license or learner's permit

2Residency

Provide one of these combinations. Every document must show your name, your address, and a date — and a physical address, not a PO Box.

OPTION 12 × Category A
OPTION 21 × Category A + 2 × Category B
OPTION 34 × Category B

Never submit

  • Screenshots of portals or payment confirmations
  • Envelope outsides, shipping labels, return slips
  • W-2s, paystubs, or employment records
  • USPS change-of-address notices
  • PO Boxes as your address
  • Two documents of the exact same type
Category A strongest

Dated within 90 days, unless noted otherwise.

  • Utility bill — electric, gas/heating, water, sewer, trash, septic, landline, or internetFull statement, not a screenshot. Date within 90 days.
  • MDHHS letter or noticeHealthcare, Redetermination, Review, Case Action, Student Info, Summer EBT, or Specialist Assignment. Date within 90 days. Two letters with the same date of issue (same mailing) cannot be accepted. Verification checklists NOT accepted.
  • Ohio public benefits agency letter or notice
  • Social Security letterDate within 90 days.
  • Letter from USCIS or DHSDate within 90 days.
  • Unemployment agency letterDate within 90 days.
  • Signed lease or rental agreementNot month-to-month. Issued within 1 year, unexpired.
  • Mortgage statement or property tax statementIssued within 1 year, unexpired.
  • Home or renter's insurance policyIssued within 1 year, unexpired.
Category B

Dated within 90 days, unless noted otherwise.

  • Auto, health, or life insurance billDate within 90 days.
  • Medical bill or statementDifferent visit each time. Date within 90 days.
  • Second medical bill or statementMust be from a different visit than your first medical bill. Date within 90 days.
  • Court order or jury summonsDate within 90 days.
  • Month-to-month leaseCategory B only. Date within 90 days.
  • Recent driver's licenseMust show current address. Category B only.
  • Postmarked mailMust show name, address, and postmark date within 90 days.
  • Notarized Rx Kids attestation letter from homeownerAlso requires homeowner photo ID + Category A doc in homeowner's name.

If your situation is different:

Documents in someone else’s name — a spouse, partner, or parent/guardian. Also show a shared household: marriage or partnership certificate, a housing agreement listing both of you, a benefits letter listing household members, or an affidavit of parentage.
Unhoused or no stable address — an attestation letter from a shelter or service provider (notarized or on letterhead), or an HMIS Shelter Entry/Exit Report. Contact support if you have none of these.
Minor under 18 — a school enrollment document showing an in-bounds address, a McKinney-Vento Residency Verification Letter with signed consent, or your guardian’s documents plus one piece of mail sent to you at that address within 90 days.
Temporary housing — a hotel receipt showing 10 or more consecutive days within the past 30 days, or proof of student housing for 90+ days with current enrollment. Recovery-center stays do not qualify.

3Pregnancy, birth and guardianship

Prenatal eligibility begins at 16 weeks and runs until the baby is born. Postnatal runs from birth until the baby is 6 months old. Only birthing parents are eligible for the $1,500 prenatal payment.

Never submit

  • Provider letters (need full after-visit summary)
  • Over-the-counter pregnancy tests
  • Photos of your baby or baby bump
  • Exam or delivery room images/screenshots
  • Birth announcements or crib sheets
Applying while pregnant

Must show your name, the exam date, and a gestational age of 16+ weeks at time of issue.

  • After-visit summary from your medical providerMust show name, exam date, and gestational age of 16+ weeks at time of issue.
  • Ultrasound photoMust show name, exam date, and gestational age of 16+ weeks at time of issue.
  • Fetal anatomy study resultsMust show name, exam date, and gestational age of 16+ weeks at time of issue.
Baby is born — birthing parent

Must show your name, your baby’s name, and their date of birth.

  • Hospital Verification of Birth
  • Certificate of live birth
  • Birth certificate
  • Affidavit of parentage

Not the birthing parent?

Non-birthing parent — postnatal payments only. Provide a birth document, plus the birthing parent’s photo ID, their contact information, proof of a shared household with the infant, and their consent, or an explanation of why it cannot be given.
Legal guardian — postnatal payments only. Provide guardianship documentation (adoption papers, transfer of guardianship, or court papers establishing custody) plus a birth document.
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Identity
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Residency
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Pregnancy