Women Veterans Health Care
Adoption Expense Reimbursement
If you are considering adoption, or have recently adopted a child, VA may help cover some adoption expenses.
Who is eligible for adoption expense reimbursement?
Veterans who have a service-connected disability that causes infertility may receive reimbursement payment to cover qualifying expenses for the adoption of a child under 18 years of age.
How do I know if I am eligible to receive adoption reimbursement?
Both married and single covered Veterans are eligible to receive reimbursement for qualifying adoption expenses. If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability that makes it impossible for you to have children without medical help, you are considered a "covered Veteran."
Will VA reimburse me for adoption expenses?
If you are a covered Veteran, VA will reimburse some of your adoption expenses. This includes adoptions for infants, minor children, minor children from other countries, and minor children with special needs.
The reimbursement amount is limited to $2,000 for a single covered Veteran or two covered Veterans who are married to each other, for expenses incurred during the adoption process. If you and your spouse are both covered Veterans, only one of you can claim the reimbursement for a single adoption. You cannot both claim reimbursement for the same adoption.
In any given calendar year, the maximum reimbursement for a covered Veteran or a married couple (two covered Veterans who are spouses) is $5,000.
For foreign adoptions, you will be reimbursed after your child becomes a U.S. citizen.
What is considered a qualified adoption expense?
Reimbursement for qualifying adoption expenses may be requested only for an adoption that became final after September 29, 2016.
Qualifying expenses may include the following:
- Public and private agency fees, including adoption fees charged by an agency in a foreign country
- Placement fees, including fees charged to adoptive parents for counseling
- Legal fees, including court costs
- Medical expenses, including the hospital expenses of the biological mother of the minor child you are adopting, and any medical expenses related to the newborn you are adopting
- Temporary foster care charges that you may incur before your adoptive minor child is officially placed with you
How do I apply for reimbursement of adoption costs through VA?
If you are a covered Veteran, use VA Form 10-10152 to apply. Submit the form, with documentation described in the form, to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
VA Form 10-10152 must be filed within two years after the adoption becomes final. In the case of an international adoption, submit the form when a certificate of U.S. citizenship is granted to your minor child.
The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health
If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:
- Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
- Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
- Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
- Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need
WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
