Adoption Assistance

Support for adoptive families

The Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions provides Adoption Assistance to eligible Benefits Plan members, including retirees and surviving spouses, 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.

Amount

$6,500 per child

Eligibility

To qualify, at the time of the adoption

you must be employed by a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) or Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad (KPCA) congregation, mid council, agency, or affiliated organization,* or be a retired member or surviving spouse;
you must be enrolled for coverage in the Medical Plan or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan or be receiving a retirement or survivor’s pension from the Benefits Plan; and
your adopted child must be a dependent under age 21.

*An affiliated organization includes senior housing and care facilities, colleges and universities, and camps and conference centers.

How to receive assistance

Notify the Board of a completed adoption by calling 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) (TTY: 711). 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 their 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. 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.