Adoption Financial Assistance
The following information may help you as you prepare to meet the costs of adopting an infant. In addition to the benefits and organizations listed below, there are numerous other adoption related grants available for domestic newborn adoption.
Since 2012, there has been a federal adoption tax credit for various amounts depending on the year. The credit is paid one time for each adopted child, and should be claimed when taxpayers file their federal taxes.
To be eligible for the credit, parents must:
- Have adopted a child other than a stepchild – A child must be either under 18 or be physically or mentally unable to take care of him or herself.
- Be within the income limits – How much of the credit parents claim is affected by income.
For more information, go to the website of the North American Council on Adoptable Children: www.nacac.org/taxcredit/taxcredit.html or contact the Internal Revenue Service.
Did you know that many employers have generous benefits for employees who are adopting a newborn including reimbursement for certain expenses? Talk to your Human Resources or benefits department today!
Active duty members of the military are eligible for up to $2,000 in qualifying expenses in a year relating to adopting an infant. If multiple children are adopted, the maximum reimbursement increases to $5,000 per calendar year. Qualifying expenses include legal fees, agency fees, placement fees, and certain medical expenses.
To qualify, you must be serving continuous active duty for at least 180 days. Adoptions must be arranged by a qualifying adoption agency. To receive this benefit, register with the finance office of your local military installation after placement of your child. Submit your request for reimbursement within one year of finalizing the adoption. For more information, go to www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/adoption.html.
Laws have mandated that all insurance companies offer and provide dependent benefits to a child being adopted by the policy subscriber. This coverage usually takes place upon placement of a child for the purpose of adoption. Check with your medical insurance representative to understand how such benefits work.
The National Adoption Foundation was established in 1994 by adoptive parents who experienced first hand the issues and unmet needs of adoptive families for information, advocacy and financial support. The National Adoption Foundation focuses specifically on the financial needs of the adoption community and the challenges faced by families in the adoption process.
We understand that there are financial barriers to many wonderful, potential parents who cannot manage the high costs of adoption without assistance. The National Adoption Foundation has proudly helped over six thousand adoptive parents since 1993 to successfully grow their families with financial assistance from grants, loans and various other programs. They can be reached at 914-407-4193 or at nationaladoptionfoundation@gmail.com.
Helpusadopt.org is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) financial assistance grant program providing qualified couples and individuals – regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability – with grants of up to $15,000 towards their domestic, international, foster, or special needs adoption expenses. They can be reached at 917-684.5484 or at info@helpusadopt.org.
God’s Grace Adoption Ministry, Inc. was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization dedicated to helping place orphaned children of the world into forever families. GGAM is not an adoption agency, but rather works in cooperation with the agency to assist with the family’s financial needs. GGAM seeks to help Christian families overcome the financial burden of adopting children through grants. They can be reached at 209-572-4539 or info@ggam.org.
ABBA Fund offers interest free loans and an Adoption Grant Fund for Christian families. ABBA Fund has one application to complete whether you are applying for the family grant fund program or an interest-free loan. For more information visit www.abbafund.org or call 888.775.3422
The Journey to Parenthood Foundation raises money to provide financial grants for those seeking fertility treatments, surrogacy or adoption to lessen the financial burden that is too often associated with infertility. For more information contact www.journeytoparenthood.org
Gift of Adoption Fund provides adoption assistance grants of up to $10,000 to qualified applicants. There is no application deadline. For more information visit https://giftofadoption.org/about-us/.