[imadeeva]

Hello everyone. I have some questions about adoptions subsidies. I live in Texas and I don't know all the laws in regards to adoptions and subsidies here. Does anyone know where I can find some information on subsidies? Or does anyone have any infrmation on adoption subsidies.

[fostermomintx]

When I adopted my son (he was 3 years old at the time) I was told the range for his age for adoption subsidy was $75 to $400/month and I believe that was without any special needs. I think they already have an amount in mind and that's what you get as well as Medicaid until they are 18 and free tuition for Texas Colleges.

They have a "negotiator" call and talk to you about the subsidy but I think they already know what they are going to give you according to the paperwork that you submit beforehand.

Others may have more information than I do.

Hope this helps...

[me_and_B]

Originally Posted by fostermomintx

When I adopted my son (he was 3 years old at the time) I was told the range for his age for adoption subsidy was $75 to $400/month and I believe that was without any special needs. I think they already have an amount in mind and that's what you get as well as Medicaid until they are 18 and free tuition for Texas Colleges.

They have a "negotiator" call and talk to you about the subsidy but I think they already know what they are going to give you according to the paperwork that you submit beforehand.

Others may have more information than I do.

Hope this helps...

You can't get the college tuition UNLESS the child had a subsidy agreement.

You can't get a subsidy agreement unless child is classified as special needs (defined as a child that has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to placement or adoption without financial assistance:

• Six years of age or older and less than eighteen years of age
• Two years of age or older and less than eighteen years of age and a member of a minority group that traditionally creates a barrier to adoption
• Member of a sibling group to be adopted together or adopted to join a sibling
• Verifiable physical, mental, or emotional handicapping condition, as established by an appropriately qualified professional through a diagnosis that addresses what the condition is and how the condition is handicapping

Note: Children must be legally free for adoption to be eligible for adoption assistance.

Here is a link with more information: NACAC State Profiles I used to have the link on the TX site, but they changed it and I can't find it again.

[imadeeva]

Thanks for the information. My FS will be 2 at the beginning of September. I hope he'll qualify. I really need the assistance.

[bethy724]

I adopted in Texas (Houston) last year & my only advise is to negotiate the subsidy BEFORE you sign anything. I waited to sign the "intent to Adopt" AFTER my son turned 2 & that made all the difference. I don't feel bad to ask for the $$ it is 100% for him & the college tuition will help a lot.

[rsbg]

if you go to the TARE website or the TX DFPS website, I believe there is info there. It has been a while since I looked at it, but I do remember finding info on one of those 2 websites.

[imadeeva]

Originally Posted by bethy724

I adopted in Texas (Houston) last year & my only advise is to negotiate the subsidy BEFORE you sign anything. I waited to sign the "intent to Adopt" AFTER my son turned 2 & that made all the difference. I don't feel bad to ask for the $$ it is 100% for him & the college tuition will help a lot.

I can negotiate a subsidy? Wow! I didn't know that. Thanks so much.

[me_and_B]

Here is the thread that explains HOW to negotiate--some of the things that it is helpful to know:

Can someone tell me how to go about negotiating an adoption subsidy?!

[tylind23]

Be sure to look into the adoption subsidy tax credit as well. I don't remember all the specifics about this, but you can get a tax credit (not just a deduction) if your child is classified as special needs (according to the standards that were posted in an early response). Also, not sure if this is accurate or not, but we were told in our foster parent orientation that any child in the state of Texas who has spent time in foster care will receive free college tuition at any state university, with the stipulation that they must enroll in college the semester after they graduate.

[texastanya]

I stated this in another post about negotiating subsidy, but I felt it was important enough to say it again...

Other cases might be different, but this is what happened with ours. Our subsidy amount was set by an "Adoption Subsidy Worker" in Austin. She had no personal dealings with us or the kids. We filled out tons of finanical paperwork. Had to specify if the kids had special needs, what they were, and list any other information that subsidy might help with. We were told they would call us and negotiate what could/could not be paid for and give us a final rate per month.

But...what really happened is that she called and said we'll give XX amount per month, medicaid til they're 18, and tuition in a state university - take it or leave it. There was NO negotiation.




T

[fostermomintx]

texastanya,

That's exactly what happened with my son. I find it laughable that they call it "negotiating the subsidy."

I filled out the financial paperwork and sent it back and then received the call. They know exactly what they are going to give you and it is TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!

[me_and_B]

New link for NACAC: (old one in my post above changed)

NACAC | Adoption Subsidy