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Adoption allowances

children's needs

What financial help will I receive?

People can adopt a child even if they are unemployed or not very well off. Although as with any parenting, you will be expected to meet the child’s financial needs, there are several types of financial support available to certain people.

One-off payments
On some occasions help with initial costs of adotion such as travel costs and ongoing contact with someone from their birth family.

Ongoing financial support
Certain children are eligible for a regular support package. This is means-tested. It is legally viewed as ‘non-profit making’ and so will not be taxable or affect your benefits.

Ongoing payments will be attached to the child's needs and are intended to cover the cost of specialist services such as respite breaks, specialist therapy or educational support.

Other benefits
In addition to the financial support only available to adoptive parents, you will be eligible for the support available to all families. For example, you can apply for child benefit, family tax credit and disability living allowance as appropriate.

Although you will be responsible for meeting the child’s financial needs, there is financial support available to help a child to be a permanent member of your family, whatever your finances.