You have made the life-changing decision to adopt, but the costs involved to make your dreams come true can be daunting. After factoring in private agency, adoption attorney and home study fees, a domestic, newborn adoption can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000. If you choose to work with Everlasting Adoptions, your adoption could cost up to $24,000 less than with other agencies. Everlasting Adoptions strives to provide affordable adoption services, but we know the expenses involved can be overwhelming. We have compiled a list of resources to help you fund your adoption.
Tax Credit
One of the best ways to help fund your adoption is to take advantage of the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. According to The Internal Revenue Service, the adoption credit can be used toward qualifying expenses and limited to your tax liability with a maximum amount of $13,460 per child. Parents whose adjusted gross income is under $201,920 will qualify for the entire $13,460.00 credit. Parents whose incomes are between $201,920 and $241,920 will qualify for a partial credit that is prorated. If you earn over $241,920 for the year, you do not qualify for the credit. Please consult a tax professional for more information and your eligibility.
You may also be eligible for a State Adoption Tax Credit, but every state is different so please consult a tax professional for more information on your eligibility.
Loans & Grants
A personal loan is another option to help fund some of the immediate expenses incurred during an adoption. A loan may be a beneficial short term solution, while waiting for the Adoption Tax Credit or other source of reimbursement. For competitive interest rates and fast approval, Everlasting Adoptions has partnered with LightStream to help finance your adoption. There are many other loan options available through local banks and credit unions.
Grant programs are available to adoptive parents to selectively award funds that do not have to be repaid. Searching for and being awarded grant money is a more time consuming process and requires vetting eligible grant programs and completing applications. Grants can be difficult to obtain, but can be worth the time and effort. Resources4Adoption is a great website for more information on grants available to adoptive parents.
Employee Benefit Programs
Many private and governmental employers offer adoption assistance and benefits. These might include financial reimbursement, paid and unpaid leave, and resource and referral services. The Dave Thomas Foundation has compiled a list of adoption friendly workplaces. Please inquire with your Human Resources or benefits department to determine what benefits are offered by your company.
Regardless if your company offers specific adoption assistance, most companies must comply with the Family Medical Leave Act. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a federal law that requires employers of more than 50 workers to give full-time employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. One must have been employed for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months. Your employer may have more generous benefits, but this offers minimum protection.
Military Subsidies
If you are an active-duty military family, you are eligible for $2,000 reimbursement for adoption expenses, up to 21 days adoption leave, and health care benefits before the adoption is final. Please visit your installation Family Center for more information.
Fundraising
Private fundraising and crowdfunding platforms are other possible, yet generally less accepted methods to help fund your adoption. These options allow friends, family members, and even supportive strangers to give money to help a cause they truly believe in; the miracle of adoption. AdoptTogether and YouCaring are just two of many crowdfunding websites that allow you fundraise online for free. The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas for how to raise money toward your adoption. Bake sales, pancake breakfasts, and garage sales to name a few. Check out this great list put together by Ami at Walking By The Way.
The staff at Everlasting Adoptions are committed to making your dreams of adopting come true. Please contact us to learn more about financing your adoption.
Call us today 630-364-8361 or visit| www.everlastingadoptions.com