Oftentimes, prospective birth mothers ask, “Can you get paid for adoption in Pennsylvania?”
Know this: It is illegal to get paid for adoption in Pennsylvania or any other state in the United States. However, adoption-related expenses accrued by a birth mother can be paid for on her behalf by the prospective adoptive parents or her adoption agency. An adoption professional’s services and resources will always be free for the prospective birth mother — alleviating some of the financial stress of an unplanned pregnancy and delivery, not to mention that of parenting.
The following article highlights the financial support available when giving up a baby for adoption in Pennsylvania. For more information, we encourage you to contact a local adoption professional.
Is it Free to Put a Child Up for Adoption in Pennsylvania?
“Is it always free for birth mothers to put a baby up for adoption in Pennsylvania?”Yes.
“Is putting my baby up for adoption free in PA?” Yes.
Adoption is always completely free to prospective birth mothers. Adoption financial assistance is provided by the prospective birth mother’s adoption professional. These professionals provide free resources and services for birth mothers to help them through the adoption journey, whatever their personal circumstances may be.
While adoption services are always free to expectant mothers, additional adoption financial aid for pregnancy and living expenses are determined based on:
- Your current income situation, and whether you are in a single- or dual-income home
- Your current living situation, including any dependents
- The adoption living expenses limitations as determined by Pennsylvania adoption law, which varies by county.
A Pennsylvania adoption court must approve any financial assistance requested, to make sure you are only receiving financial assistance that is necessary and reasonable. Don’t worry: When you choose adoption, this will all be handled by your adoption professional.
Can You Get Paid for Adoption in Pennsylvania?
A prospective birth mother’s adoption expenses are always provided for free, but she cannot legally be paid for putting her baby up for adoption in PA or anywhere else in the U.S. However, she can have a zero-cost adoption experience, and certain adoption-related expenses may be covered by the prospective adoptive family or her adoption agency.
- Pregnancy and birth-related medical expenses
- Medical expenses for the child
- Reasonable living expenses that occur during or before the pregnancy — rent, utilities, transportation and groceries
How Do Adoption Agencies Pay Birth Mothers in Pennsylvania?
Prospective adoptive parents and adoption agencies never pay for a baby that is being placed for adoption in Pennsylvania. A prospective birth mom will work with an adoption professional, who will help decide what her financial needs are and provide appropriate financial aid for those costs. The adoption professional, whether it be a local or national adoption agency or attorney, will also determine what expenses a woman is eligible to receive based on her circumstances and Pennsylvania laws.
Many adoption agencies offer free services, such as adoption and pregnancy counseling, guidance, legal services and more. However, in the United States, there are no adoption agencies that pay you for the baby.
Why Do Mothers Get Paid for Adoption Expenses in Pennsylvania?
Choosing adoption and going through the adoption process is a stressful experience. Birth mothers are eligible for financial assistance for adoption in Pennsylvania in order to ease the monetary burden that contributes to the stress of adoption. When a prospective birth mother is offered financial assistance, it allows her to focus on her adoption and birth plan instead of her finances. These payments help her to keep herself and her baby healthy while focusing on the important decisions she’s making as a part of her adoption plan.
Even though only certain expenses can be compensated for when choosing adoption in Pennsylvania, women often still ask:
“Can you get paid for adoption in Pennsylvania?”
“Is there financial assistance for putting a baby up for adoption?”
If you choose adoption in Pennsylvania, an adoption professional will be happy to answer these questions and more, based on your personal situation. They will help you through all parts of the adoption process in Pennsylvania.
Please complete our contact form to connect with a professional for more free information about financial support when giving a baby up for adoption in Pennsylvania.
