Questions about Financial Assistance for Birth Parents

When you’re considering adoption for your baby, it’s normal to have questions or concerns about the costs of adoption and how they apply to you.

But, the adoption process is completely free for you. With the help of financial assistance that covers all adoption- and pregnancy-related expenses, you don’t have to pay a penny. You won’t “get paid” for the adoption, but there is no cost to put a baby up for adoption and you can receive financial assistance for other expenses during the process.

This guide will answer some common questions about financial support when you place your baby up for adoption. Also, you can get answers to all your pregnancy- and adoption-related questions when you fill out this contact form.

Does It Cost to Put a Baby up for Adoption?

No. As a prospective birth parent, there is no cost to put a baby up for adoption.

The services that you receive as a birth parent are generally covered through a combination of insurance and assistance from your child’s adoptive family.

These services can include expenses such as:

• Counseling fees
• Medical and hospital costs
• Pregnancy expense reimbursement
• Living expenses
• And more

The best adoption agencies will make sure that putting a child up for adoption costs nothing for you, and they’ll ensure you still receive resourceful services that help you throughout your pregnancy. 

Do You Get Paid to Give Your Baby up for Adoption?

No. You do not get paid for adoption.

Also, there are no adoption agencies or professionals that pay you for the baby or for your consent to adoption. It is illegal to place your baby up for adoption to receive money.

If someone offers to give you money for your baby, then that could be considered trafficking. This would have serious legal consequences.

The laws about pursuing adoption for compensation are pretty clear. Although prospective birth parents receive money from adoption, it is only to cover their pregnancy- and adoption-related expenses. Again, there is no cost to put a baby up for adoption.

What Financial Assistance Is Available for Birth Parents?

Each state has unique laws, but, in most states, adoptive parents can provide financial help for birth parents to cover the cost to put a baby up for adoption. This financial assistance varies based on your living situation and stage of pregnancy.

For example, if you are in the early years of college and living with your parents, you might not need as much support for living expenses as someone who is in their 20s or 30s, lives on their own and supports themselves and their children.

Your living situation and needs may also change throughout your pregnancy. It’s important to work with a licensed, national adoption agency because once they have a better understanding of your financial needs during your pregnancy, they will get you financial assistance as quickly as possible.  

A reliable agency can help you with every step of the adoption process, ensuring you receive the maximum amount of adoption-related expenses allowable. This also includes living expenses, such as:

• Rent and utilities
• Food
• Transportation
• Maternity clothing
• And more

Your adoption professional will speak with you to learn more about your possible financial needs and create a plan for covering the cost to put a baby up for adoption.

What Is Not Covered in the Cost to Put a Baby up for Adoption?

Most states have a law that says adoption financial assistance that hopeful parents provide must be “reasonable” and approved by a court.

That means you can’t use financial support from adoption to purchase luxuries or “unnecessary” items that aren’t needed for you or your family’s day-to-day living. A new car would not be considered a “reasonable” expense. But, if you need help getting to your hospital visits, a court will find the use of travel expenses to be within reason.

Who Decides How Much Financial Assistance You Can Receive?

Your eligibility for adoption financial assistance depends on your particular situation. Also, your state’s laws regulate how much and what type of assistance you can receive.

Your adoption agency seldom has control of how much assistance you’re able to receive, but they’ll dispense those funds once they’re approved.

Final Thoughts on the Cost to Put a Baby up for Adoption

Beginning the adoption process can be stressful. It takes tremendous love and courage to make an adoption plan for your baby.

Adoption is a selfless gift that you give to your baby and a waiting family. It shouldn’t also be a financial burden. 

Adoption assistance is meant to ease the financial challenges of pregnancy so you can focus on making the best choices for yourself and your baby.

We understand the financial aspect of adoption can be confusing. Professional help is available to answer your questions right now. Fill out this contact form today to learn more about the financial assistance you may be eligible for.