Adoption Policy

Adoption Benefits Policy
Effective: January 1, 2018

Policy Overview

To support WUSTL’s family-friendly culture, the Adoption Benefits Policy provides financial assistance for qualified adoption expenses to regular, full-time, non-union, faculty and staff benefit eligible employees, that successfully adopt a child. WUSTL understands that adoption can be a lengthy and expensive process. This policy is intended to financially assist employees with related expenses for a successful adoption.

Eligibility

All full-time faculty or staff, non-union, employees are eligible for adoption benefits. If an employee and spouse/domestic partner both work for WUSTL, only one employee may utilize the financial benefit. The employee must be actively at work at the time expenses are incurred and at the time any financial reimbursement is made.

Eligible Children

Adopted children, to be considered, must be under the age of eighteen (18), and not the natural born child of the employee or spouse.

Financial Reimbursement

Eligible Adoption-related expenses will be reimbursed up to $5,000., per child. Most expenses directly related to the adoption are reimbursable. These may include:

  • Application fees
  • Home study fees
  • Agency and placement fees
  • Legal and court fees
  • Immigration, immunization and translation fees
  • Transportation, meal and lodging fees
  • Parent, child, and family adoption counseling

Expenses that have been paid through another plan, such as a medical plan, are not eligible for reimbursement under the Adoption Benefits Policy.

Timing and Procedure for Reimbursement

Upon placement of the adopted child, obtain an Adoption Financial Reimbursement Form from the Benefits Department or online at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/family-friendly-benefits/adoption-benefit/.

Itemized receipts for expenses are required for documentation. Employees should refer to the Internal Revenue Service instructions entitled Qualified Adoption Expenses regarding taxation of financial benefits, tax credits and tax exclusions.

Reimbursements will be made after the adoption is finalized with a copy of the adoption decree. You must submit your request for reimbursement within twelve (12) months after the adoption is finalized.

Tax Implications

The financial assistance is not currently subject to federal, state, or local income tax withholding; however, it is subject to social security and Medicare (FICA), federal unemployment (FUTA), and retirement tax withholding. Tax laws and their interpretation are subject to change.