Many Service members are not aware that if they adopt a child that the U.S. Military through the Department of Defense offers a special adoption reimbursement program. A military family can have their Service Member apply for the reimbursement up to two thousand dollars for each child that was adopted, not to exceed a maximum of five thousand dollars of reimbursements in any calendar year. As a rule to qualify for the reimbursement the adoption must have been set up by a certified and qualified adoption agency, or a similar source that is qualified according to local and federal laws to place children in adoptive situations. All the requirements listed below must be in place and met or else the request for reimbursement will be denied:
Requirements
-The claim for reimbursement has to be submitted within one calendar year of the final adoption process and must take place before the Service Member is discharged from the military.
-The adoption must be finalized when the claim for reimbursement is filed.
-The member must be on an active status for duty for at least one hundred eighty days.
Procedures
The Service Member must submit a form DD 2675 (Adoption Request for Reimbursement for Expenses). If the adoptive child was placed and adopted in the United States, the Service Member is responsible for providing a copy of the applicable Order from the Court showing that the adoption has been finalized. For adoptions placed in a foreign country, the Service Member must provide a translated adoptive degree with proof of United States Citizenship for the Child along with DD 2675 when making application. Proof of Citizenship for the Child can consist of any of the following:
-Letter from US Immigration and Citizenship services that states the adoptive child’s status.
-Copy of the child’s US Passport.
-Copy of Citizenship Certificate
-Copy of Permanent Resident Alien Card, with the IR3 Code showing.
Expenses
A copy of the canceled checks or receipts that show authorized expenses must be provided along with the application. If receipts are submitted in foreign currency, the US Currency amount equal to must be shown also. Expenses that qualify are: private and public agency fees, including foreign adoption fees. Legal Fees. Medical expenses. Court costs. Medical expenses of the birth mother in some cases. Placement or other fees charged for counseling or other medical services. Travel Costs. Any other fees that are incurred are subject to review and approval.