Are There Adoption Agencies that Pay You?
The Truth About Adoption Agencies that “Pay” Birth Mothers
An unplanned pregnancy can be a challenging surprise for an expectant mother, especially when money is tight. If you are considering adoption but are worried about supporting yourself financially during your pregnancy, you may be thinking to yourself, “Where can I find an adoption agency to pay my bills?” “Are there adoption agencies that pay for all expenses?” “How can I contact places that will pay to adopt my baby?”
If you are seriously considering adoption for your baby, you will never have to worry about the costs that come with it. Adoption is, and always will be, free to prospective birth mothers. With that being said, however, there are some things you should know about the reality of adoption agencies that “pay” the pregnant mother and the different ways that adoption agencies support birth mothers financially.
What are Adoption Agencies That Pay Birth Mothers?
When people think of adoption agencies, they often assume that there are some that will pay you for placing your baby for adoption — especially ones, like national adoption agencies, that have more generous resources and a larger staff. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. No matter where you live, you won’t find any adoption agencies that pay to adopt your baby. In every state, it is illegal to receive payment in exchange for placing a child for adoption.
But, even though there aren’t adoption agencies that pay the birth mother for her baby, there are still adoption agencies that will provide money for birth parents during the adoption. Confused? Keep reading to learn more about what this means for your adoption.
What Kind of Services do Places that Help Pay for Adoption Provide?
While it’s impossible to find an adoption agency that pays you for your baby, you can qualify for what’s known as your living expenses. There are many adoption agencies that help with living expenses such as rent, groceries and more during your pregnancy.
Right now, you may be thinking, “Isn’t that the same thing as finding an adoption agency that pays for my baby?” Not necessarily. A better way to think of your living expenses is that you’re being compensated for all of your pregnancy and adoption‐related costs. Here is what some of the living expenses can help cover:
- Rent and utilities
- Groceries
- Cell phone and data plan
- Transportation
- Housing relocation, if necessary
Your living expenses will be covered by both the adoption agency and the adoptive family that you pick. In some cases, you may even be able to receive additional financial aid during your adoption.
Are There Adoption Agencies that Pay for Prenatal Care As Well?
Yes! As a woman considering adoption, it can be extremely stressful to figure out not only how you’re going to provide for yourself, but how to keep your little one happy and healthy. You might be wondering, “If you put a baby up for adoption, does the agency pay the hospital bills?”
The answer is always yes. Many adoption agencies understand that you’ll need help with not only groceries, rent and utilities, but medical expenses as well. In addition to this, the costs for your legal representation will also be taken care of.
If you’re not sure of where to start looking for prenatal clinics or maternity hospitals, your adoption specialist would be happy to connect you with a doctor in your area. If you need help with finding transportation to your appointments, they can assist you with, too. Whatever you need to help you feel secure in your adoption plan, your adoption specialist can help.
How Much Does it Cost to Work with an Adoption Agency that Pays You for Adoption?
While it’s important to remember that you will not find an adoption agency that “pays” you for choosing adoption, it costs absolutely nothing to make an adoption plan for your baby. Adoption is one of the most emotional, selfless decisions that you can make for your child. Adoption agencies and adoptive families know this, and are prepared to help you with any of your needs.
One of the first things that your adoption specialist will ask you to do is to fill out a form outlining your monthly living expenses. As soon as they receive it form you, they will work as quickly as possible to get it approved by the court. The amount that you can receive will vary based on the state that you live in, but generally, you will receive the maximum amount that you’ve been allotted by the court. In some cases, you may qualify for financial assistance up to six weeks after the adoption is finalized.
Where to Find Agencies that Help Pay for Adoptions
Even though there aren’t any private adoption agencies that pay birth mothers for their babies, there are adoption agencies that help with living expenses.
If you’re ready to reach out to an adoption specialist to learn more about financial assistance, here are the top-paying adoption agencies in the United States: