Military Subsidies
Military Subsidies
The military will reimburse active-duty personnel for most one-time adoption costs up to $2,000 per child, whether adopting a healthy infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad. Travel costs, foreign or domestic, are not covered. There is a maximum of $5,000 in a given year, even if both parents are in the military. Reimbursement is made only after the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption was done through a state adoption agency or a nonprofit private agency. Fees that can be reimbursed include adoption fees; placement fees, including fees for birthparent counseling; legal fees and court costs; and medical expenses, including hospital expenses for the biological mother and the newborn infant.
A disabled adopted child also may be eligible for up to $1,000 a month in assistance under the military's Program for Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, the military's Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to ensure that the adoptive families of children with special needs are assigned to duty stations where the child's needs can be met.
Military personnel also may make use of leave programs similar to those offered by civilian employers. Reimbursements and benefits apply whether the adopting parent is single or married and whether the adoption is completed in the United States or overseas.
NOTE: Independent adoptions or adoptions done through a for-profit adoption agency do not qualify for military reimbursements.
Military Family Assistance:
Adoption Exchange
14232 East Evans Avenue
Aurora, CO 80014
303.755.4756, or 800.451.5246
adoptex.org
This program is designed for families stationed overseas.
Military Family Resource Center (MFRC)
Crystal Square 4, Suite 302, Room 309
1745 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202-3424
703.602.4964
mfrc-dodgol.org
MFRC enhances the effectiveness of military family policy and programs. MFRC's mission is to act as a catalyst of information between the DoD Military Community and Family Policy office and military policy-makers and program staff, and to deliver timely, efficient, and effective information services through cutting-edge technology. They can provide information and referral to appropriate resources for families pursing adoption.
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
2500 North Van Dorn Street, Suite 102
Alexandria, VA 22302-1601
703.931.6632
nmfa.org
NMFA is the only national organization dedicated to identifying and resolving issues of concern to military families. Their mission is to serve the families of the seven uniformed services through education, information, and advocacy. They offer information about benefits for adoption reimbursement and health care, but not regarding placement.
This information is for reference only; Bethany is not responsible for any inaccuracies.
Information provided by The National Endowment for Financial Assistance - www.nefe.org