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If you’re considering adoption in Texas, you may be wondering:
Do adoptive parents receive financial support—and if so, how much?
The answer depends on the type of adoption. While private and international adoptions typically do not come with state payments, adoptive parents who adopt from the Texas foster care system may be eligible for monthly adoption subsidies and other financial assistance.
This blog explains what kinds of support are available and who qualifies.
DO ADOPTIVE PARENTS GET PAID IN TEXAS?
Adoptive parents do not get “paid” in the traditional sense, but those who adopt eligible children from foster care may receive adoption assistance payments and other benefits through the Texas Adoption Assistance Program.
These funds are not income—they are designed to help cover the cost of caring for a child with special needs or circumstances.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR ADOPTION ASSISTANCE?
To qualify for state adoption subsidies in Texas, the child must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be at least 6 years old (if part of a sibling group, this may be waived)
- Be part of a sibling group being adopted together
- Be of a minority ethnic background (as defined by DFPS guidelines)
- Have a diagnosed medical, emotional, or physical disability
- Have been in foster care for a certain period without a permanent placement
If the child qualifies, the adoptive parents can apply for financial assistance before the adoption is finalized.
HOW MUCH DO ADOPTIVE PARENTS RECEIVE?
Monthly adoption assistance payments vary depending on the child’s needs and level of care required.
| Level of Care | Monthly Payment Range (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Level | $400–$545 |
| Moderate Level | $545–$667 |
| Specialized Level | $667–$1,000+ |
These payments continue until the child turns 18—and in some cases, until age 21 if the child has a disability or is enrolled in school or training.
OTHER FINANCIAL BENEFITS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS
In addition to monthly payments, adoptive parents may be eligible for:
Adoption Reimbursement
Reimbursement of up to $1,200 per child for certain nonrecurring adoption expenses, such as court filing fees, home study costs, and legal expenses.
Medicaid Coverage
Children adopted from the foster care system often remain eligible for Medicaid coverage, even after adoption.
College Tuition Waiver
Children adopted from Texas foster care may qualify for free tuition at Texas public colleges and universities under the tuition and fee waiver program.
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
Adoptive parents may also qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $15,000+ (adjusted annually) for qualified adoption-related expenses.
WHAT IF I’M ADOPTING PRIVATELY OR INTERNATIONALLY?
Adoptive parents who go through private or international adoption typically do not receive state payments. These adoptions are usually self-funded and can cost between $15,000–$50,000, depending on the agency, legal fees, and travel costs.
However, private adoptive parents may still qualify for:
- The federal adoption tax credit
- Employer-provided adoption assistance programs
- Certain grants or nonprofit scholarships
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I receive payments before the adoption is finalized?
In most cases, no. Adoption assistance typically begins after the final order of adoption, unless the child is already in foster placement with the adoptive family.
Can I lose adoption assistance if I move out of Texas?
Not necessarily. If you adopt a child from Texas foster care, you may still receive assistance in another state through interstate agreements.
Are payments taxable income?
No. Monthly adoption assistance payments are not considered taxable income.
Can stepparents or kinship adoptive parents qualify?
Yes—if the child meets eligibility requirements and the adoption is through the foster care system.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While adoptive parents are not paid to adopt in Texas, those who adopt through the foster care system may qualify for monthly subsidies, tuition waivers, healthcare, and reimbursement for adoption expenses. These benefits are meant to support families—not serve as financial incentives—but they can significantly ease the transition.
If you’re considering adoption, especially from foster care, it’s important to explore all available resources to make the process more affordable and sustainable.
Bryan Fagan is a Texas family law attorney with a heart for adoption—inspired not just by his legal career, but by his own family story. Growing up in Atascocita with two adopted brothers, Bryan learned early the profound meaning of chosen family. His passion for justice was sparked by John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, and he became the first lawyer in his family, balancing night classes at South Texas College of Law while caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Bryan brings that same dedication to his practice, guiding families through adoptions, custody disputes, divorces, and complex marital agreements. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, he combines elite legal expertise with genuine empathy—drawing from his roles as a husband, father of three, and advocate for families facing false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is actively involved in the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Sector and statewide family law organizations. Whether finalizing an adoption or protecting parental rights, he believes the law should reflect the deepest values of home, commitment, and love.
