The DoD Adoption Reimbursement Program
Overview
Using the DoD Adoption Reimbursement Program.
Adopting a child is a joyous event, but the expenses can add up fast. The Department of Defense (DoD) Adoption Reimbursement Program helps cover some of the costs when a service member adopts a child. The following information will help you understand what the program provides.
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What is the Adoption Reimbursement Program?
Active-duty service members may receive a reimbursement of qualifying adoption expenses up to $2,000 per child (with a maximum of $5,000 in a calendar year). Qualifying expenses include:
- agency fees
- placement fees, including adoptive parent counseling
- legal fees
- certain medical expenses (may include expenses for the biological mother or child)
- temporary foster care charges when payment is required before the child's placement
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What are the requirements?
Married or single service members who meet certain qualifications may apply for adoption reimbursement. These qualifications include:
- You must be an active-duty service member (includes full-time Guard and Reserve members on active-duty orders for at least 180 days). If both parents are service members, only one will be reimbursed for the adoption of the same child.
- The adoption must be arranged by a qualified adoption agency. This includes state agencies or nonprofit agencies authorized under state or local law. It also includes any source authorized by the state to provide adoption placement if the adoption is supervised by a court under state or local law.
- The adoption must be for a child under the age of 18. International adoptions and special-needs adoptions are included.
- Adoption expenses will not be reimbursed for the adoption of a service member's child or the spouse's child. The adoption of stepchildren does not qualify for reimbursement.
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How do I apply for reimbursement?
Your application for reimbursement must be submitted within 365 days of the final adoption decree. Your personnel office may be able to help with the form and the additional required paperwork. You will need:
- Form DD2675. To request reimbursement, use form DD2675 (Reimbursement Request for Adoption Expenses). The form is available in your personnel office or at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2675.pdf. Submit this form, along with the other required documents to your personnel office.
- Documentation and receipts. You will be required to substantiate all expenses with receipts or cancelled checks. In addition, you must provide verification that the adoption is final and that it was arranged by a qualifying agency.
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Other adoption information
Besides the Adoption Reimbursement Program, there are other benefits that can help service members adopting a child. These include:
- Adoption leave. The military authorizes service members up to 21 days leave for adoption. To be eligible, the adoption must qualify under the Adoption Reimbursement Program. Only one member of a dual military couple can take adoption leave.
- Internal Revenue Service Adoption Tax Credit. Families adopting a child may qualify for a tax credit (up to $11,390 for 2007) to help offset the costs of adoption. This is not a tax deduction, but rather a credit to your federal tax liability. If you can't use all the credit in one year, it may be carried over for up to five years. For more information, visit the Internal Revenue Service Web site at www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html.
- Health care benefits (including health care for pre-adoptive children). To be sure your newly adopted child has access to medical care, enroll him or her in DEERS as soon as possible. Pre-adoptive children placed in the custody of a service member, either by a court or by an authorized adoption agency, may be eligible for medical care. Visit www.tricare.osd.mil for more information.
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Other resources
Department of Health and Human Services Children's Bureau
www.adoptuskids.org
Adoption information and resources, including a downloadable booklet for military families at www.adoptuskids.org/images/resourceCenter/militaryGuide.pdf.
National Military Family Association
www.nmfa.org
Additional information on military adoption. Click on "Family Life," then on "Adoption."
Navy Fleet and Family Support
www.nffsp.org
Information about adoption for military families, as well as links to state resources. Follow the links under "Learning About Adoption."
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
www.defenselink.mil/comptroller/fmr/
Follow the links to Volume 7C, Chapter 4 for more information on the adoption reimbursement program.
Your military support services
Each service branch sponsors information and support programs for service members and their families. You can call or visit any installation Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Center, or Airman and Family Readiness Center regardless of your branch affiliation.
If you aren't near an installation, National Guard Family Assistance Centers are available in every state. The Local Community Resource Finder on the National Guard Family Program at www.guardfamily.org will identify your closest center.
Military OneSource
This free 24-hour service is available to all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families. Consultants provide information and make referrals on a wide range of issues. Up to six free face-to-face counseling sessions are also available. Call 1-800-342-9647 or go to www.militaryonesource.com. Provided by the Department of Defense.
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