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Step 1
Our government gives a tax credit.FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAX CREDITS ARE AVAILABLE. Whether you are adopting internationally or locally our federal government will give you tax credits for qualifying expenses which according to the IRS include "reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, traveling expenses (including amounts spent for meals and lodging while away from home), and other expenses directly related to and for which the principal purpose is the legal adoption of an eligible child. "
You can get additional money if the child you adopt is a special needs child. To see the specifics, go to www.irs.gov (see link below) and type in ADOPTION CREDIT to their search engine get the details. For the year 2009 the maximum adoption credit is $12,150.
STATE TAX CREDITS are also available. To find out if you are eligible for a state tax credit go to the child welfare web site of the US government: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt%5Fassistance/ and type in your state to find the benefits that they offer. -
Step 2
There is money for special needs children.FEDERAL TITLE IV-E ADOPTION ASSISTANCE. The Federal government provides payments for adopting children with special needs. Money can cover one-time adoption assistance or ongoing adoption assistance. These funds are available for children being adopted from foster care. Federal money covers expenses for the home study fees, attorney fees, replacement of the birth certificate, and travel for visits to the child (including mileage, lodging, and meals). The Federal maximum for this type of assistance is $2,000 for each adoptive placement. Some expenses in excess of this amount may be tax deductible.
Ongoing adoption assistance provides money for any need that you can identify. Monthly payments to the parents of eligible children are made with the maximum amount not to exceed the cost of the foster home if the child had remained in State custody. Payments can continue until the child reaches age 18 or until age 21 if the State determines that the child has a physical, mental, or emotional disability. Payments continue if you move to another State.
Details about eligibility for Federal IV-E Adoption Assistance is outlined at the government child welfare website: www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_subsid.cfm (see link below)
Your adoptive child may also be eligible for Medicaid to pay for medical bills, and receive federal grant money for counseling, legal aid, respite care, information, referral, and transportation services. States may offer additional adoption preservation services as well. Each State's Medicaid program is different. For more information, contact the Department of Social Services in your State or go to this website to see specific information on your state and the money they provide. www.taxsites.com/State-Links.html (See link below) -
Step 3
Grants are available for adoptions.THE NATIONAL ADOPTION FOUNDATION provides money for adoptions. Families can apply regardless of their income. Grants are available for all legal adoptions including public or private agency adoptions, international, special needs or adoptions facilitated by an attorney. Fill out a short one page application. A requirement for receiving grant money is a home study. Money is granted four times a year, during the last week of each quarter, in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500. To apply go to the website of the National Adoption Foundation: www.nafadopt.org/how-we-can-help/direct-grants.shtml (see link below)
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Step 4
YOUR EMPLOYER MAY PROVIDE ADOPTION MONEY. Some employers will pay a lump sum of $1,000 to $15,000 for their employees to adopt a child. Other employers will reimburse the fees related to an adoption. Adoption benefits are sometimes higher for children with special needs. Financial assistance might cover agency fees, court costs, and legal fees, foreign adoption fees, medical costs, temporary foster care charges, transportation costs, pregnancy costs for a birth mother, and counseling fees associated with placement and transition. Usually benefits are paid after the adoption is final, although some employers may pay benefits when the child is placed or as the expenses are incurred. Before adopting you should speak to someone in your Human Relations Department to find out if this is a covered benefit for you.
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Step 5
PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS OFFER GRANT MONEY.
SHOW HOPE gives grants to families in the process of adopting. Financial need determines the size of the grant. They will provide up to $7,000 toward the cost of adopting, You can fill out an application at: http://www.showhope.org/AdoptionAid/AdoptionGrants/ApplyforaGrant.aspx (See link below)
At PROMISE THE CHILDREN, grant money is given without regard to age of adoptive parents, current family size, age, race or religion. Single parents are also welcome to apply. You can download a grant application at: www.promisethechildren.org/faq.html (See link below)
LOS NINOS INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION CENTER gives financial assistance to those in need when adopting internationally through their program. www.losninos.org
A CHILD WAITS offers grant money if the adopted child is over the age of 5 or has a developmental or medical problem. You can download an application at www.achildwaits.org/Grant%20Program.htm
GIFT OF ADOPTION awards grants to support domestic and international adoptions. If adopting internationally, applicants must use a Hague accredited adoption agency in order to qualify for the GOA grant program. You can find out the details and download an application at: www.giftofadoption.org/apply/howToApply.html (See link below) -
Step 6
MANY CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDE MONEY. CAROLINE'S PROMISE gives $3,000 to $5,000 grants to Christian couples who live in North Carolina who are adopting. www.carolinespromise4u.org/index.htm (see link below)
HIS KIDS TOO provides grant money to Christian families up to $2,000 for one child, and up to $4,000 for two children. Grants are paid directly to your agency. Your adoption agency must be on their preferred list. www.hiskidstoo.org (See link below) -
Step 7
Grants for women who can't conceive.THE MIRACLE MOMS GRANT PROGRAM gives money to married couples who are unable to conceive a child. Grants are available to families that are United States citizens living in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, with preference to those living in the Greater Cincinnati area. Priority is given to applicants with financial need. Go to: www.miraclemoms.org for more information. (See link below)
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Step 8
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GIVES MONEY TO MILITARY PERSONNEL. If you are in the military, the government will reimburse you for expenses related to adopting a child up to $5,000 per year. See Details at: www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134109p.pdf (See link below)
