Adoption Benefit
Applies to Administrators, Faculty, and Staff
Related Policies:
Policy
Full-time administrators, faculty and staff are eligible to receive reimbursement of adoption expenses up to $3,000 per adoption, with a maximum of two (2) adoptions per year. Adoption expenses will be reimbursed under this policy only if the employee has one year of service at Notre Dame on the date the adoption is final. The effective date of the plan is July 1, 1998 and only expenses incurred on or after that date are eligible for reimbursement. Employees may receive a benefit when they incur expenses to legally adopt a child under age 18 who is not their natural child or their spouse’s natural child. Expenses related to surrogate births are not eligible for reimbursement. Reimbursement for covered adoption expenses is available after the adoption is final.
Covered adoption expenses include:
- Legal fees (including court fees)
- Medical expenses of birth mother
- Agency or placement fees
- Health care expenses for the child
- Immigration fees
If adoption expenses have been paid through another plan (e.g., spouse’s adoption benefit or other agency) the University will not reimburse the employee. Coordination of those benefits should be made through the Office of Human Resources. Time off related to an adoption may also be available as described in the Family and Medical Leave Act policy.
The adoption benefit is only available to full-time, active employees of the University. The benefit may be modified or terminated by the University at any time and at its sole discretion.
The adoption benefit may be considered taxable income to the employee. Employees should contact a tax advisor about both the potential tax impact of this benefit and possible eligibility for an Adoption Tax Credit.
Procedures
All itemized bills and receipts for expenses should be submitted to the Office of Human Resources along with the Adoption Benefit Claim Form for reimbursement once the adoption is complete.
