India, Feb. 16 -- Michigan residents can claim $500 monthly and a one-off $1,500 check, regardless of income, from a family assistance program.

The assistance program, Rx Kids, is intended to help with the expenses of pregnancy and the first few months of a baby's life, when expenses can quickly increase.

The Rx Kids initiative, which is being supported by officials in Jackson and Blackman Township in Michigan.

During pregnancy, families receive $1,500 from the program. The program will also pay $500 each month for the first six to twelve months of a baby's life.

The program was presented by the non-profit Jackson Community Foundation to the council. In a unanimous vote on February 10, the Jackson City Council agreed to provide $15,00...