[tinaedmond]

I also used the packet from the Dave Thomas Foundation to lobby my employer to provide adoption assistance benefits. They did, to the tune of $3K. I am soon going to ask that they consider increasing that benefit, seeing as it was first implemented three years ago.

Tina

[MaryCaryne]

My job does a $2000 reimbursement. So not too much, but every little bit helps. My husband's job does $3000 if you're full time, so he's going to ask his manager if he can be bumped up to full time....not only would that help with the $3000, but we get more income as well. For my job, theo nly requirement was that I had worked there for at least 90 days (I've been there for a year). My husband's job requires that you be full time for a year before you qualify. Since his is a reimbursement like mine, he'll be able to complete his year by the time everything is ready to be submitted for reimbursement most likely. Unlike his job, mine gives a reimbursement even if I leave the company...as long as I was still employed there when the adoption was finalized. I don't know how commonplace that is, but I thought it was pretty cool.

[Stacytoadoopt]

Originally Posted by alreadylove2005

Hi!

When I started my boss was giving me maternity leave but now new boss is "thinking it over". So I'm putting together a request. I too have sent for the Dave Thomas Foundation materials. They send you a sample letter, statistics on how many companies offer adoption benefits and what type. It ranges from giving you the same benefits as a biological parent to paying for part of the adoption expenses.

One benefit that doesn't cost a company anything but helps us, is to allow adoption expense as part of your Sec 125 cafeteria plan. You can take money out of your paycheck pre-tax for adoption expenses up to $10,000. It can't overlap with any expenses you claim for the tax credit, but for those of us adopting from G, finding $20,000 in expenses isn't a problem! LOL!

Good luck!

what is 'your Sec 125 cafeteria plan'?

[rubyblue]

I work for a large Public School System that does not offer Adoption Benefits. My Agency has a link on their Web Page with info and a sample benefits petition letter. I also requested information from the Dave Thomas Foundation. In August 2005 I submitted a proposal to my HR/Benefits Office - the Benefits Manager was all for providing some sort of benefit but the HR Director shot it down.
So in May 2006, after some extensive re-writing, I sent my proposal to the CEO, The CEO then forwarded it on to the HR Director who again said no - a little more forceful this time -oops!!



Good luck to you!

[Laurie5401]

I work for a large national law firm and they give adoptive parents a $5,000 reimbursement (whenever you submit a receipt for expenses paid; adoption doesn't have to be final), AND a four-week with pay "parental leave" policy. I nominated them for an employer of the year award because I think this is just terrific!