Adoption Assistance

The Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions provides Adoption Assistance to eligible Benefits Plan members to help pay for a portion of adoption-related expenses. These expenses range from medical expenses not reimbursed by the Medical Plan to adoption agency and attorney fees.

A portion of the funding for these grants comes from Relief of Conscience funds.

Who's eligible

To qualify, at the time of the adoption

• you must be employed by a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation, mid council, agency, or affiliated organization;
• you must be enrolled for coverage in the Medical Plan or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan; and
• your adopted child must be a dependent under age 21.

Amount

$3,000 per child

How to receive assistance

Notify the Board of a completed adoption by calling 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN). You will be asked to provide the following documentation, which the Board must receive before a grant can be provided:

• Domestic adoption: a copy of the final adoption decree
• International adoption: copies of the final adoption decree and the child's passport or written permission to remove the child from his or her native country

Additional assistance

If you are eligible for Adoption Assistance, your adoption expenses exceed available government tax credits and the Adoption Assistance, and you need financial help, you may request Emergency Assistance from your presbytery or PC(USA)-affiliated employer. Because of competing needs and limited resources, Emergency Assistance for adoption expenses is discretionary.

Medical exams for adopted children from other countries

Medical Plan members who are covered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and adopt children from outside the United States can take advantage of a provision designed to meet the unique health needs of children from other countries. This benefit is available for children through 18 years of age.