Resources for Adoption Assistance

Federal Adoption Expense Tax Credit

For tax year 2010, you may be able to receive a tax credit of up to $12,150 for qualified expenses paid to adopt an eligible child. See http://www.irs.gov for additional information.

Tax Credits

Several states have tax credits for adoptive families, which are sometimes restricted to those families adopting from that state’s public child welfare system. Contact your state adoption unit for more information.

Adoption Subsidies

Families who adopt from the public system may be eligible for reimbursement of adoption-related expenses, such as home study, travel, and attorney costs. In addition, children with special needs may qualify for a subsidy to help parents pay for ongoing treatments. For more information see North American Council on Adoptable Children at http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/adoptionsubsidy.html

Military Subsidies

Active-duty personnel are reimbursed for one-time adoption costs, whether adopting an infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad. Find out more at http://www.naic.com.

Employee Benefits

More employers are offering adoption benefits for employees, and the dollar amounts of these benefits are growing, with the average expense reimbursement now approaching $4,000. Two resources for help in lobbying for these benefits: http://www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org/ and http://www.benefitsguides.com/. Also read “How to Lobby Your Employer for Adoption Benefits” at www.adoptivefamilies.com/clip.php.

Other Resources

Look into cash advances from credit cards, second mortgages, home equity loans, and special adoption loans. Consider borrowing from your life insurance policy, 401(k), or pension plan. Approach your place of worship about the possibility of adoption assistance. If possible, take a second job until your child comes home, or identify a birthmother who already has medical insurance. More ideas are found on the Burke Family’s list of adoption funding sources at www.angelfire.com/journal/adoptionhelp/adopthelp.html

Organizations That Help Financially