According to NCFA’s 2022 report, Profiles in Adoption, cost of adoption is both a perceived and an actual barrier for many families who wish to adopt.
If you are considering adoption but concerned about the costs, keep scrolling to learn about financial assistance options that may be available to you.
51%
of adoptive parents say that cost was at
least somewhat of a barrier to adoption
Source: National Council For Adoption 2022,
Profiles in Adoption
55%
of Americans believe that adoption from
foster care is somewhat to extremely
expensive
Source: Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption 2022,
US Adoption Attitudes Survey
81%
of Americans believe that intercountry
and private domestic infant adoption
are somewhat to extremely expensive
Source: Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption 2022,
US Adoption Attitudes Survey
Average cost of private domestic adoption
$30,000 – $70,000
Average cost of adoption from foster care
$0 – $1,000
Average cost of intercountry adoption
$25,000 – $45,000
Ready to see what financial options are available to you?
Read these resources to learn about key adoption assistance options.
Adoption Subsidies
Key subsidy information, like eligibility, application process, and an overview of what is provided
Adoption Tax Credit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Adoption Tax Credit, updated every tax season
Adoption Grants and Loans
A wide range of programs and financial assistance options, including lists of grants/loans for adoption
Are there other options to help finance an adoption?
When subsidies, tax credits, grants, and loans are not available or not enough, there are other options that prospective adoptive families can look into.
Adoption Benefits at Work
What type of assistance am I eligible to receive?
Getting Started
Learn
Use the resources on this page to learn about your options and eligibility.
Discuss your financial options with your adoption agency or attorney, and ask if they have guidance, tips or suggestions for steps to take and paths to pursue to help with the cost of adoption.
Discuss existing or potential adoption benefits with your employer.
Prepare
Review your family’s budget. Determine how much you’re able to set aside for savings to use toward adoption costs.
Decide whether you’d like to set up a crowdfunding site. Research crowdfunding options. Communicate with friends and family. Set up your donations page, if desired.
Gather documents you might need for each financial option you’re planning to pursue.
Keep careful records of costs related to your adoption.
Apply
Complete and submit your applications for subsidies, grants, loans, and tax credits. Timing is important! Loans can be applied for at any time, while grants may have specific application windows or accept applications on a rolling basis. Adoption subsidies must be finalized before the adoption is finalized; be sure to work with your agency or attorney to develop your subsidy agreement. Tax credits are only available after the adoption has been finalized.