Many individuals and couples choose to start or expand their families through adoption. Yale University offers some support to eligible employees and faculty through the Yale University Adoption Reimbursement Program, which compensates eligible employees for qualified expenses up to $10,000 per adoption.
Yale was ranked in the Top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in the US by the Dave Thomas Foundation in four of the last five years: 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
As a first step, Angela Reese, manager of the WorkLife and Child Care programs, suggests parents take a look at the resources offered through Optum. There they can find information on adoption costs, international adoptions, adoption agencies, and a link to the National Foster Care and Adoption Directory. “I also suggest prospective parents do some homework to familiarize themselves with adoption laws, if applicable, within the state or country in which the child is located. An attorney will be familiar with the laws, but it doesn’t hurt to educate yourself,” said Reese.
Eligibility and Qualified Expenses
“Having the support from your employer to build or start a family is truly awesome.”
Benefit-eligible staff can receive up to $10,000 of qualified adoption expenses per child. Some covered costs include agency, immigration, and immunization fees, or medical and travel expenses. The benefit was launched in 2011 and initially provided up to $5,000 per adoption; it was increased to $10,000 in 2014.
An “eligible child” is any individual who, at the time the adoption expenses are paid, is under the age of 18 or is physically or mentally incapable of caring for themself and is being adopted by a Yale employee. An eligible child may include a blood relative, or a child or blood relative of a spouse, same-sex spouse, civil union partner, or domestic partner. Employees who adopt may be eligible for a leave of absence based on Yale leave policies and the State of Connecticut Paid Leaves. “This benefit provides another option for people who desire a family and are perhaps struggling to start one,” said Reese. “Having the support from your employer to build or start a family is truly awesome.”
Applying for Reimbursement
Staff may apply for reimbursement of expenses upon placement of the eligible child in their home. Applications for reimbursement must be made within six months following the finalization of the adoption. The Employee Service Center is available to assist with any questions about the adoption benefit, types of leaves, or reimbursements, and can be contacted by phone at 203-432-5552 or email.
What are Qualifying Adoption Expenses? They are reasonable and necessary adoption-related expenses (as defined in Section36C(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code), and currently include:
- Domestic and foreign agency and placement fees
- Counseling fees associated with the placement and initial adjustment
- Immigration, immunization, and translation fees
- Temporary foster care provided before placement of the Eligible Child in your home
- Home inspections costs
- Medical expenses paid on behalf of the Eligible Child prior to adoption that are not otherwise covered by insurance
- Travel expenses (including amounts expended for meals and lodging while away from home)
