Adoption Assistance

Adoption services and expenses can run anywhere from a few thousand to well over $40,000. Obviously this is a huge financial commitment to make even after an adoption is finalized, therefore, it's important to approach the adopting process as money smart as possible. There are a few different ways for an adoptive couple to seek adoption assistance.

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Many children in the foster system have special emotional, health or mental needs that may make it difficult for them to find a permanent placement. The difficulty to place these children often hinge on the potential medical expenses that an adoptive parent or couple may struggle to afford later in life. To raise incentive for the adoption of these children, the government offers subsidies, through the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, that may come in the form of monthly checks or through other arrangements made prior to the adoption finalization process. Adoption assistance additionally comes from being eligible for one of the following: Tittle IV-A Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Title IV-E Foster Care or Title XVI Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Act

Adopters may also be eligible for adoption benefits from their employers in something similar to maternity leave and small financial assistance. There are hundreds of companies that recognize the necessary time required to bond with a new member of one's family. Benefits are regulated by each business and may be solely paid leave or reimbursements for adoption-related expenses.

Some assistance can come after the finalization process in the form of a reimbursement or tax credit. A tax credit does not discriminate by the type of adoption or a child's special needs or health issues. The adoption tax credit is applicable for any expenses accrued during the adoption process that were paid out-of-pocket by the adopters. The credit will refund up to a third of an adoption's overall costs. Fees that may have been covered by state subsidies or aid meant to reimburse for home study fees or health services are ineligible for reimbursement. Expenses paid during the adoption of someone 18 years of age or older are also inapplicable to the federal adoption tax refund. The maximum tax refund one can receive after adoption is $13,170.