The Adoption Assistance Program helps eligible University of Iowa employees offset the cost of adopting a child by reimbursing a portion of qualified adoption expenses. 

Program Highlights

  • Available to benefit-eligible faculty and staff
  • One year of continuous benefits-eligible employment required
  • Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per finalized adoption
  • Lifetime maximum of two adoptions per employee
  • Requests must be submitted within six months of the adoption's finalization

Eligibility

Eligible Employees

You are eligible to participate in the Adoption Assistance Program if you:

  • Hold a regular, permanent University of Iowa appointment of 50% or greater
  • Are benefits eligible
  • Have completed at least 12 months of continuous benefits-eligible employment with the university. 

Eligible Children

An eligible child:

  • Is under the age 18 when the qualified adoption expenses are paid or incurred.
  • Is not a blood relative of the employee.
  • Is not a blood relative of the employee's spouse or domestic partner.

Reimbursement

Maximum Reimbursement

Eligible employees who meet the program's terms and conditions may receive reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses paid in connection with the final adoption of an eligible child. 

Benefit limits include:

  • Up to $2,000 per finalized adoption

  • Lifetime maximum of two adoptions per employee

  • Lifetime maximum reimbursement of $4,000 per employee

If both adoptive parents are eligible University of Iowa employees, reimbursement applies jointly and is limited to:

  • $2,000 per adoption, combined

  • $4,000 lifetime maximum, combined

Qualified Adoption Expenses

Qualified adoption expenses are reasonable and necessary expenses directly related to the legal adoption of an eligible child. All expenses must be paid and the adoption finalized while the employee is eligible for the program.

Examples of Qualified Adoption ExpensesNon-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, or 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.

How to Apply

To request reimbursement, submit the following within six months of the adoption's finalization:

Required Documentation

  • Complete the Adoption Assistance Reimbursement Request Form.
  • Itemized receipts for qualified adoption expenses that have been paid.
  • Include a copy of the final decree of adoption.

Receipts must be provided in English and reflect amounts in U.S. currency.

Important Deadline

Requests for reimbursement must be submitted within six months of the adoption's finalization.

Incomplete requests or requests submitted without supporting documentation will not be considered complete and may not be eligible for reimbursement if the filing deadline passes before all required materials are received.

Submit Your Request

Submit your completed form and supporting documentation to University Benefits through one of the following methods:

Email: benefits@uiowa.edu

Fax: 319-335-2776

Mail or In Person:

University Benefits Office
120 USB, 1 W. Prentiss Street
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)

 

University Benefits

319-335-2676
319-335-2776
benefits@uiowa.edu

University of Iowa
120 University Services Building
1 W. Prentiss Street
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States