How Much Does Adoption Cost? – Less Than You Might Think

The average infant adoption in the US can vary from $5,000 to $30,000 and on average costs $15,000 – $20,000.  Our two newborn infant adoptions cost us about $11,000(0 after credits) and an estimated $15,000($2,000 after credits). This article will not break down the different costs associated with adoptions, but it will list multiple ways that adoption expenses can be considerably lower than those numbers suggest. I am speaking from experience since the expenses of our first adoption were more than covered by the programs/tips below.

1. First and foremost, the Federal Adoption Tax Credit that was signed into law by George Bush in 2002. The adoption tax credit offers an $11,390 tax credit in 2007 for qualified expenses on all domestic and foreign adoptions. For us, we were able to use all but $200 of tax credit in one year with some special planning. The credit alone covered almost all of our adoption expenses. The big downside is that the credit often comes a full year after you incur the expenses. About.com does a nice job explaining the adoption tax credit.
2. Adoption Subsidies. Any child adopted out of the United States foster care system with special needs will receive Medicaid and a monthly subsidy based on the severity of the disability. The average subsidy is about $350 a month. With this government bill the US government is able to save billions and provide better care for our children at the same time. Adopting.org provides a nice overview of subsidies.
3. Employee Adoption Assistance. You mileage will vary from company to company, but many companies have programs that will provide a cash assistance payment for adoption. The programs seem to be rarely mentioned and remain buried in a manual sitting in an HR office somewhere. Rules and benefits will vary, but my company provides employees with up to $2,000 per adoption. One painless form and a copy photocopies and we were awarded the full $2,000.
4. Medical Costs Related to Pregnancy. Again, the amount mother’s will have pay from conception to birth will vary greatly depending on your health coverage and area, but they can often cost people thousands of dollars. There is no need to worry about things like co-pays and partial covered hospital visits procedures when adopting.
5. Physical Costs of Pregnancy. These would include lost productivity for the mother, lost time at work, and any medical complications that may arise.
6. It’s just plain worth it. This isn’t a savings per se, but more of a perspective shift that makes any money you have to spend pale in comparison to the experience. If you are fully committed to providing a loving household for a child who may not otherwise be given that opportunity, than the monetary side of things tends have less sting. Also along these lines, many people often support your actions and are willing to help out in ways that you don’t even expect.

That list might be longer than you thought it would be, given the huge numbers that are often thrown around for the cost of adoption. I hope it helps provide a clearer picture of the true costs of adoption. Let me know if I missed any, or your thoughts.
Source : Adoption Guide