Do You Get Financial Help for Adoption in Michigan?
You may be wondering if you can afford adoption. The answer might be more hopeful than you think. There is financial help for adoption in Michigan—and it’s more accessible than many families realize.
With the right guidance and support, the cost of adoption doesn’t have to stand between you and the family you’ve dreamed of. From federal tax credits to local subsidies and grants, Michigan residents have access to several forms of financial help for adoptive parents.
In this article, we’ll break down the average costs of adoption in Michigan, local and national support options, and how to make the most of the financial help available to you.
You’ve waited long enough to become a parent—don’t let costs delay your journey any longer. Schedule a consultation with a specialist today.
Do You Get Financial Help for Adoption in Michigan?
Yes—there are multiple forms of financial help for adoption in Michigan. But first, let’s talk about the costs involved so you can understand what kind of support you might need.
The cost of adoption varies widely, depending on several factors like the type of adoption you pursue (domestic, foster care, or international), the professionals you work with, and the specific needs of your adoption process.
No two adoptions look exactly for these three reasons which is why there isn’t necessarily a uniform cost when it comes to adoption.
You can, however, learn about the factors that contribute to your overall cost to help you better prepare. Here’s what makes up that cost:
Every adoption journey is different, which means the financial path is, too. Fortunately, you don’t have to walk it alone.
Is There Financial Help for Adoptive Parents?
Yes. At the federal level, hopeful adoptive families can claim the Adoption Tax Credit, which can significantly reduce the financial burden.
The Federal Adoption Tax Credit allows eligible families to claim up to $15,950 (as of 2023) in qualified financial aid for adoption expenses. These include court costs, legal fees, travel, and other expenses directly related to the legal adoption of an eligible child.
Important distinction: A tax credit directly reduces the amount of taxes you owe, unlike a deduction, which only lowers your taxable income. However, if your itemized deduction is lower than your standard deduction, it may not benefit you.
For many families, this credit represents a vital source of financial assistance for adoption—and it’s just the beginning.
Does Michigan Offer Financial Help for Couples Looking to Adopt?
Yes, and it’s a great option for families adopting from the state’s foster care system.
The Michigan Adoption Assistance Program provides:
To qualify, the child must meet certain criteria, such as being part of the foster system or having physical, mental, or emotional needs that would otherwise make placement more difficult.
This program ensures that families are not alone in providing lifelong care and support.
Financial Help for Adopting a Child in Michigan
If you're pursuing private adoption, don’t worry—there are still grants and low-interest loans available to help offset the cost.
Grants
Many nonprofit organizations offer adoption-specific grants. Here are some that serve Michigan families:
- Gift of Adoption – Michigan Chapter: Offers grants of up to $15,000 to complete adoptions of vulnerable children. Priority is given to families facing financial hardship and to situations where children are at risk of aging out or remaining in institutional care.
- Starfish Infertility Foundation: Provides grants of $2,000–$5,000 to couples pursuing domestic adoption or other family-building methods. Financial need and emotional story are key criteria for selection.
- Hope for Fertility Foundation: Awards annual grants of up to $5,000 to couples expanding their families through adoption. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and married.
- Footprints of Angels: Provides support and financial assistance (varies) to women who have experienced infertility or pregnancy loss and are pursuing adoption. Grant cycles open throughout the year.
- A Child Waits Foundation – Domestic Grant Program: Offers grants of up to $7,000 for domestic adoptions. Families must demonstrate financial need and be working with a licensed adoption agency.
- HelpUsAdopt.org: Provides large grants of up to $20,000 with no requirement for religion, ethnicity, marital status, or sexual orientation. Funds can be used for all types of adoption.
- Fund Your Adoption: A curated resource listing dozens of adoption grant opportunities. Grant amounts vary, typically ranging from $500 to $15,000.
- Zoe’s Rainbow – Laurel’s Message: Offers grants of $1,000–$5,000 for hopeful parents pursuing adoption after experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.
These grants can help bridge the financial gap and make your dream of adoption more attainable.
Loans
For families needing additional support, the following organizations offer adoption-specific loans:
- LendingTree: Connects borrowers with personal loan options, including those tailored for adoption. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, depending on creditworthiness and lender terms.
- America’s Christian Credit Union: Offers adoption loans up to $50,000 with flexible repayment terms and low interest rates. They also offer lines of credit and adoption-specific savings accounts.
- TruStone Financial: Provides adoption loans starting at $5,000 with low interest and convenient terms. Available to members of the credit union.
- A Child Waits Foundation – Loan Program: Offers low-interest adoption loans of up to $10,000. These loans are available to families in the U.S. working with licensed agencies and can be used for domestic or international adoptions.
These financial tools are designed to ease the cost burden and help families take the next step with confidence.
Employer Financial Assistance for Adoption in Michigan
Many companies in Michigan offer adoption benefits, including:
These benefits can be part of your HR package—check with your employer’s HR department to learn more.
While Michigan doesn’t currently mandate paid family leave, legislation has been proposed. Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you may still qualify for 12 weeks of unpaid leave to bond with your child post-placement.
In 2024, Senate Bills 223 and 333 were advanced. These bills would give Michigan workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for various circumstances, including maternity and paternity leave.
Get the Support You Deserve
You deserve a family—and that journey shouldn’t be delayed because of financial worries. Whether it’s local assistance programs, national tax credits, or grants and loans, there is financial help for adoption in Michigan that can bring your dream within reach.
Why wait any longer to start your family? Schedule a consultation with an adoption specialist today to learn how we can help you make adoption more affordable, supported, and successful.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.