The program's purpose is to provide reimbursement for a portion of the eligible expenses resulting from the adoption of an eligible child. The program is effective January 1, 2023.

Eligible Employees

An eligible employee is a University of Iowa faculty or staff member who holds a regular, permanent benefit-eligible appointment of 50% time or greater. Eligible employees in eligible appointments must have completed one year (12 months) of continuous benefits-eligible employment at the university to participate in the program.

Eligible Child(ren)

An eligible child is a child under the age of 18 at the time the qualified adoption expenses are paid or incurred. An eligible child does not include a blood relative or child/blood relative of the employee’s spouse or domestic partner.

Reimbursement Amount

Maximum Reimbursement

An eligible employee who meets the terms and conditions of the program shall be eligible for reimbursement of qualified adoption expenses that are paid in connection with the final adoption of an eligible child by the eligible employee while an eligible employee under the program. Adoption assistance benefits provided shall be limited to $2,000 per finalized adoption and a lifetime maximum of two (2) adoptions per eligible employee. If both adoptive parents are eligible employees, the maximum reimbursement applies jointly (No couple will receive more than $2,000 per adoption or more than the lifetime maximum of $4,000).

 

Reimbursable Expenses

Qualified Adoption Expenses

For the purposes of this program, qualified adoption expenses shall include reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, and attorneys' fees that are directly related to, and whose principal purpose is for, the legal adoption of an eligible child by an eligible employee. The expenses must have been paid and the adoption finalized while the claimant was an eligible employee.

examples of Qualified Adoption expenses non-qualified expenses
  • Adoption agency and placement fees
  • Attorney fees
  • Legal and court costs
  • Medical expenses required for the child to complete the adoption (including immunizations)
  • Immigration and translation fees
  • Counseling fees associated with placement and initial adjustment
  • Expenses paid prior to January 1, 2023
  • Expenses paid before becoming an eligible employee, even if such expenses would be considered qualified adoption expenses.
  • Requests submitted after the six (6) month filing deadline described in this plan
  • Expenses incurred/paid from an unsuccessful adoption
  • Expenses reimbursed under another employer-sponsored program or expenses paid by any other person, entity, organization
  • Expenses that violate applicable federal, state, or international law
  • Expenses claimed as a credit or deduction on your personal tax return
  • Expenses associated with a surrogate parenting arrangement
  • Expenses the university determines are not qualified adoption expenses.

Reimbursement Procedures

To receive reimbursement of qualified adoption expenses, an eligible employee must satisfy the following requirements for submitting a claim, in addition to complying with any other procedures established by the plan administrator:

  1. Complete the Adoption Assistance Reimbursement Request Form.
  2. Attach copies of itemized receipts for qualified adoption expenses that have been paid. Receipts must be in English and American currency.
  3. Include a copy of the final decree of adoption.
  4. Send/submit the adoption assistance reimbursement request form and other documentation to the University of Iowa Benefits Office as directed on the reimbursement form.

If the form is incomplete or supporting documents are not submitted with the claim form, you will not have completed the steps necessary to file a claim for reimbursement. Requests for reimbursement must be made within six (6) months after the adoption is finalized. Benefits will not be paid if a fully completed form with documentation is not received before the end of the six (6) month filing deadline.

The reimbursement form and copies of your supporting documentation can be emailed to benefits@uiowa.edu, faxed to 319-335-2676, and mailed to or dropped off at University Benefits Office, 120 USB, Iowa City, IA 52242.

Complete the fillable pdf form, print, sign, and attach copies of all supporting documentation before submitting your request to University Benefits. 

Adoption Assistance Program Request Form (pdf)