Pontiac launches Rx Kids cash-prescription program May 1; organizers urge pregnant residents to apply

Organizers told the Pontiac City Council on April 29 that the city will launch a six-month pilot of the Rx Kids “cash-prescription” program on May 1, providing direct, no-strings cash payments to qualifying pregnant people and infants to support early child development.

The program will be led locally by the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLSHA) as the outreach partner and GiveDirectly as the payments and enrollment operator. “This application will go live on Thursday, May 1,” Susan Harding, CEO of OLSHA, said. She said pregnant residents at 16 weeks gestation or more on May 1 will be eligible for an immediate $1,500 prenatal payment; parents who enroll after a child is born are eligible for up to six monthly $500 payments per child during the child’s first six months of life.

The program’s backers said eligibility is limited to city of Pontiac residents and to applicants age 18 or older (16- and 17-year-olds may apply with parental consent). Harding said the pilot covers roughly 800 births for the initial funding but that anyone eligible will receive benefits; organizers plan to continue fundraising to expand beyond six months. “This first program is launching as a 6-month program. We are continuing to fundraise and hope to expand,” Harding said.

GiveDirectly will distribute payments by direct deposit or a prepaid debit card; staff said prenatal and the first postnatal payments are issued as soon as an application is approved. Organizers emphasized that the Rx Kids payments do not affect most public benefits (SNAP, most cash assistance) but noted an exception for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), for which recipients should receive benefits counseling before enrolling.

Community outreach plans include coordination with local hospitals and medical providers, federally qualified health centers, schools and churches; deadline-sensitive outreach was a key theme at the meeting. Al Patrick, OLSHA outreach lead, said an inaugural “Baby Parade” and enrollment event will be held May 9 at Wisner Stadium with giveaways and program information. “Please share this information,” Patrick said. He provided a community phone number for questions: (248) 209-2660.

Why it matters: Rx Kids pilots elsewhere have been promoted as evidence-gathering approaches to measure the impact of direct cash on early childhood outcomes. Local leaders said the program aims to improve child development, reduce infant mortality risks and connect families to other services.

What’s next: Organizers said the application will go live May 1 at rxkids.org and recommended pregnant residents submit as soon as possible to qualify for the prenatal payment. OLSHA and GiveDirectly staff said they will hold enrollment support sessions for people without smartphones or internet access.

Speakers quoted

Susan Harding, CEO, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency: “This application will go live on Thursday, May 1… If you are 16 weeks pregnant on May 1, you are immediately eligible for the $1,500 prenatal payment.”

Al Patrick, OLSHA (outreach): “We are going to have a baby parade at Wisner Stadium… It is a family event. Please share this information.”