Adoption Assistance Benefits

Adoption Assistance includes monthly financial assistance, medical assistance (Medicaid/Amerigroup), and non-recurring one-time funds for legal expenses related to finalizing an adoption. Adoption Assistance is available for families adopting eligible children who meet federal and state criteria for special needs, as well as other eligibility criteria, as determined by the Social Services Administration Unit (SSAU) and the Revenue Maximization Unit. An Adoption Assistance Agreement must be signed prior to adoption finalization. Ongoing Adoption Assistance is available up to age 18 if the adoptive family remains legally and financially responsible for the adopted child.  It is very important that adoptive parents who receive adoption assistance notify their PAD/Case case Manager manager of significant changes, such as the child no longer residing in the home, in order to avoid overpayment/repayment of adoption assistance funds. Parents who are not aware of their PAD/case manager’s contact information may call the SSAU Office at 470-349-1705 or send an email to [email protected].  

Adoption Assistance policy can be found at: pamms.dhs.ga.gov/dfcs/cws/12-00/.