Do You Get Financial Help for Adoption in Wisconsin

If you're considering adoption, you may be wondering: Is there financial help for adoption? The answer is yes—financial help for adoptive parents is available in Wisconsin to make adoption more affordable. Understanding the costs involved and the assistance options at your disposal can help ease financial stress and make your journey to building a family feel more achievable.

This guide breaks down the typical expenses involved in adopting a child in Wisconsin, as well as the grants, tax credits, subsidies, and employer benefits available to help.

Anytime you have questions about financial help for adoption or anything adoption related, you can always contact American Adoptions of Wisconsin to speak with an adoption specialist to get more help and information.

Adoption Costs in Wisconsin

Adoption expenses can vary based on several factors, such as the type of adoption, the agency you work with, and legal requirements. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Common Adoption Expenses

• Agency Fees: Cover services like home studies, counseling, case management, matching services, and post-placement support.
• Legal Fees: Include filing court documents, attorney services, and finalization costs.
• Medical Expenses for Birth Mother: In some cases, adoptive families may cover pregnancy-related medical expenses.
• Travel Expenses: If adopting from outside your immediate area, you may need to budget for travel and lodging
• Miscellaneous Costs: Includes background checks, CPR training, or additional documentation.

While the total cost varies, many adoptive families find relief through available financial aid programs.

Wisconsin Financial Help for Adoptive Parents

The Wisconsin Adoption Assistance Program provides financial subsidies to families adopting children with special needs. These subsidies can help offset:

• Medical costs
• Therapy services
• Special education services
• Basic living expenses related to the child’s needs

Learn more about Wisconsin’s Adoption Assistance Program: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/adoption/adoption-assistance

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

The Federal Adoption Tax Credit is one of the most helpful resources available. For the 2024 tax year, eligible families may claim up to $15,950 in tax credits to cover qualified adoption expenses, such as:
- Agency and legal fees.
- Court costs.
- Travel expenses.
 

Wisconsin State Adoption Tax Deduction

In addition to the federal credit, Wisconsin offers a state adoption tax deduction. This allows adoptive families to deduct qualified adoption expenses from their taxable income, up to a certain limit.

Key Points:

• A tax deduction lowers your taxable income, unlike a credit, which directly reduces the taxes you owe.
• If the itemized deduction is lower than the standard deduction, you may not benefit from itemizing it.
• Consulting a tax professional can help determine which option is best for you.

Adoption Grants and Loans

If you need upfront support, several grants and low-interest loans are available to Wisconsin families:

Popular Adoption Grants:

• Gift of Adoption Fund: Offers grants up to $15,000 for families in all stages of the adoption process
• Helpusadopt.org: Provides grants up to $20,000, open to all adoptive families without restrictions on marital status or sexual orientation.
• National Adoption Foundation Grants: Offers financial assistance to qualified families nationwide.

Adoption Loans:
Low-interest adoption loans are also available through organizations like ABBA Fund or America’s Christian Credit Union, giving families more flexibility to manage costs over time.

Employer Adoption Benefits

Many employers offer adoption benefits as part of their family-building programs. Check with your HR department to see if your company offers:

• Adoption Expense Reimbursement: Some companies reimburse up to several thousand dollars in eligible adoption expenses.
• Paid or Unpaid Adoption Leave: Time off to bond with your child after adoption.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): May allow for pre-tax savings to cover certain adoption costs.

Even if unsure, it’s worth inquiring—more companies are adding these benefits each year.

Contact American Adoptions of Wisconsin

At American Adoptions of Wisconsin, we are committed to making adoption accessible for all families. Whether you're wondering about financial help for adopting a child or need guidance on available programs, we are here to provide the resources and support you need.

Contact American Adoptions of Wisconsin today to learn more about how we can assist you with financial assistance, tax credits, grants, and more.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.