Adoption Benefits

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These executive summaries were compiled from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INFOSOURCE database, a source for information on employee benefits and human resources.

STD Isn't Enough.
Gillespie, Lisa V.; Employee Benefit News; v26 no3 pp 37-38 Mar 2012; journal article

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Abstract : Maternity, paternity and adoption leave involve a balancing act that is increasingly coming into play as more women are waiting longer to have children and men are more involved in child rearing. While 95 percent of companies polled by Towers Watson offered maternity leave in 2010-2011, only 59.9 percent offered paternity leave and 63.3 percent offered adoption leave. Beyond the 12 week leave mandated by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), just 11.7 percent of employers guarantee employment. Benefits at smaller firms are typically leaner, often requiring parents to cobble together parental benefits, if offered, short-term disability (STD) and unpaid FMLA leave. Flexible and graduated scheduling, such as that offered by PricewaterhouseCoopers, is welcome support to let parents balance home and work and ease back into productivity. Some employees, especially fathers, have a hard time taking available leave because of the organizational culture.
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Fringe Benefits: Exclusion Limits Rise on Parking Benefits, but They Fall for Transit Passes, IRS Says.
BNA's Pension & Benefits Reporter; v38 p 1942 Oct 25, 2011; journal article

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Abstract : According to IRS Revenue Procedure 2011-52, released October 20, 2011, limits on amounts excluded from tax for parking fringe benefits will rise due to inflation from $230 to $240 in tax year 2012, but limits for transit passes will fall due to the end of a temporary increase. Annual deductibles for medical savings accounts are up from 2011. The adoption credit granted in 2010 and 2011 has also expired. The 2012 per diem limit for long-term care is $310.
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DTFA 100 Takes 'Family-Friendly' Benefits Literally.
Butler, Kelley M.; Employee Benefit News; v25 no12 pp 12-14 Sep 15, 2011; journal article

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Abstract : The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) released its 2011 list of the top 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces. Adoption benefits are a growing trend. An employer offering $10,000 and two weeks paid leave for adoption would have ranked in the top 10 in 2007 but would rank only 35th in 2011. Since 2006, when the DTFA began collecting data, almost 200 employers have established adoption benefits and the same number have enhanced their adoption policies. Reasons given for adoption benefits varied, but 86 percent of employers surveyed said it was the right thing to do, 85 percent said it was part of a competitive benefits package and 82 percent said it projected a family-friendly image.
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Notice 2010-66: Refundable Adoption Credit.
Internal Revenue Bulletin; no2010-42 pp 437-438 Oct 18, 2010; journal article

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Abstract : Section 10909 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) authorized a refundable adoption credit and amended Internal Revenue Code Section 23, changing it to Section 36C. Starting with tax year 2010, individuals can claim a credit for substantiated claims related to adoptions. Details on the timing of the credit vary for domestic and foreign adoptions. The full credit is available to those whose income is under $182,520, and the credit decreases to zero at $222,520. The PPACA makes the credit refundable. The required documentation of expenses depends on whether the adoption is finalized or not and whether there is a state determination of special needs.
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How to Bolster Family-Friendly Benefits With Flexible Arrangements.
Managing Benefits Plans; no10-10 pp 6-9 Oct 2010; journal article

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Abstract : Offering employees flexible work options increases the appeal of employers, bolstering retention, engagement and satisfaction. Organizations should assess their existing options for flexibility through a self-audit and benchmarking. They must involve senior management and have HR develop policies and procedures, as well as consider possible effects on other benefits. Beyond supporting care for children and for aging parents, commuting options, volunteerism and career and personal growth, employer support for adoption is highly popular. Adoption benefits provide equity with maternity benefits and are affordable and family-friendly while placing the employer in a better competitive position.
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Strengthening Family Ties.
Robbins, McLean; Employee Benefit News; v24 no12 pp 48, 50, 52 Sep 15, 2010; journal article

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Abstract : The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption awarded its top recognition for 2010 to Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. for offering the most generation adoption benefits, $24,300 reimbursement and six weeks of paid leave. Among the employers on the list of 100 firms recognized, one third offer $10,000 or more plus paid leave. By industry, the financial services sector is most generous, with 20 firms among the 100 on the list. Citizens Financial Group ranked second, with Liquidnet and LSI Corporation tied for third. Hewitt Associates reported that half of 1,000 major U.S. firms polled offered adoption benefits in 2009, up from 12 percent in 1990. Employers offer the benefits to be more competitive and family-friendly and because they see it as the right thing to do.
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Adoption Benefits: A Smart Addition to the Work-Life Package.
Boerio, Carrie; Compensation and Benefits Review; v41 no5 pp 66-72 Sep-Oct 2009; journal article

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Abstract : Hewitt Associates finds growing numbers of companies are offering adoption benefits, from 12 percent in 1990 up to 51 percent in 2008, spanning company sizes, industries and states. Despite utilization under 0.5 percent, adoption benefits are popular among employees. Benefits typically include financial assistance and leave. Nearly six in ten employers extend eligibility to part-time employees, and 62 percent offer benefits within the first year of employment. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption offers an information kit for those interested in establishing an adoption benefit policy, covering tax implications and other sources of support.
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Happiness Money Can't Buy.
Shepherd, Leah Carlson; Employee Benefit News; v23 no6 pp 66, 68-69 May 2009; journal article

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Abstract : Despite the troubled economy, many employers remain committed to providing adoption benefits. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption released its 2009 top ten list of the Best Adoption-friendly Workplaces, with Wendy's International and RBS Americas/Citizens Financial Group, Inc. taking the top two spots and a three-way tie for third place. Most companies handle adoption benefits in house, since only half a percent of those eligible take advantage of the benefit in an average year. Employers say that the benefits of adoption programs include improved recruitment and retention and better work life for adoptive parents at low employer cost.
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The New FMLA: What Employers Should Expect.
Gobeo, David M., II; Employee Benefit Plan Review; v63 no7 pp 4-5 Jan 2009; journal article

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Abstract : In 2008 Congress amended the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with additional legislation pending, and state laws on family and medical leave are expanding. The amended FMLA gives up to 26 weeks of leave in a 12 month period for close family members to care for injured service personnel and up to 12 weeks for qualifying exigencies. The regulations include technical changes for issues such as employee notification. They also require employees to make timely leave requests with specific information and increase the demand to communicate about absence. Employers can verify with health care providers the information workers provide. Proposed legislation pertains to federal employee sick leave, birth or adoption leave and extended paid family leave.
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Flexible Benefits Answer Book
Gillihan, Ashley; 711 pp 2009 6th ed.; book

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Abstract : Discusses the design and implementation of flexible benefit plans and the communications and compliance requirements. Although the concentration is on flexible benefit plans operating under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, also included is discussion on benefits not typically offered in a Section 125 plan--health reimbursement arrangements and health savings accounts, adoption assistance, reimbursed employee parking and mass transit expenses. Includes an overview of several laws that will impact flexible benefit plans in 2010, including the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, Michelle’s Law, privacy and security rules in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
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Rev. Proc. 2008-66.
Internal Revenue Bulletin; no2008-45 pp 1107-1114 Nov 10, 2008; journal article

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Abstract : IRS Revenue Procedure 2008-66 consists of tax rate tables reflecting inflation adjustments for 2009. Items affected include unearned income of minor children taxed as the parent's income, called the Kiddie Tax, and the alternative minimum tax exemption for children subject to the Kiddie Tax. It also addresses adoption credits and adoption assistance programs, child tax credits and hope and lifetime learning credits, the earned income credit and low income housing credit. Other topics include long term care premiums, medical savings accounts, education loan interest, foreign earned income and taxes in the context of expatriation.
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Summaries of State Family Leave Statutes.
Employment Law Counselor; no215 pp 1-6 Jul 2008; journal article

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Abstract : Of the 20 state and District of Columbia statutes on family and medical leave, some are stricter than the federal law. Employers must be aware of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and all state statutes for localities where they operate. Oregon provides for up to 12 weeks in a year, and Alaska provides for up to 18 weeks over two years. Several states provide up to 12 weeks for family and medical purposes, including California, New Jersey and Vermont. Some state statutes focus on pregnancy, childbirth and adoption without addressing more general medical leave, and some permit leave to care for only certain family members.
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Employee Benefits: Employer Adoption Benefits Increasingly Include Financial Assistance and Paid Leave.
Daily Labor Report; no86 p A7 May 5, 2008; journal article

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Abstract : According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's 2008 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List, more U.S. companies are adding or expanding adoption benefits packages. Wendy's International Inc. led the list as it did in the list's first year, offered $23,300 in financial assistance and six weeks of paid leave in 2008, up from $7,000 in assistance and six weeks of leave in 2007. Citizens Financial Group Inc. came in second with $21,650 in financial assistance and one week of paid leave. Other companies on the 2008 list included Timberland Co., JPMorgan Chase and Avon Products Inc.
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Employers Honored for Best Adoption Benefits.
Bridgeford, Lydell C.; Employee Benefit News; v22 no6 pp 1, 62-64, 67, 69 May 2008; journal article

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Abstract : Wendy's has regained its spot at the top of the list of 100 Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces, released by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rounding out the top five are Citizens Financial Group, CMP Technology, Timberland and Barilla America. Company rankings were based on the maximum financial reimbursement and maximum paid leave per adoption. The average financial aid is $5,000 with five weeks of paid leave. Employers offer adoption benefits to be competitive, support families and treat biological and adoptive parents equally, and because they see providing benefits as the right thing to do and employees request benefits. Fewer than one percent of employees use adoption benefits in a year.
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Employers Honored for Adoption Benefits.
Gresham, Lynn; Employee Benefit News; v21 no6 pp 1, 69-72 Jul 2007; journal article

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Abstract : A 2007 survey of 762 employers was used to compile a list of 100 companies that support adoption by providing financial assistance and paid leave to new adoptive parents. The list is compiled annually by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and recognizes employers of all sizes, industries and geographic areas who offer outstanding adoption benefits. Citizens Financial Group topped the list by providing reimbursement for over $10,000 in direct expenses and an additional $10,000 over 5 years to cover legal and agency fees. Among survey respondents, 17 percent of medium sized companies and 13 percent of small companies offer adoption benefits.
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For All Families.
Yohe, Grae; Human Resource Executive; v21 no6 pp 26, 28-29, 32 May 2, 2007; journal article

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Abstract : Many companies are realizing the utility of offering adoption benefits to their employees. Adoption benefits can balance the benefits afforded to biological parents such as health coverage and maternity leave. Often adoptive parents go through more stressful situations. By offering adoption benefits an employer can set itself apart from the competition with regard to employee satisfaction and loyalty. Watson Wyatt estimates between 40 and 45 percent of large employers offer adoption benefits and suggests that interest in adoption assistance is growing with the acceptance of nontraditional families.
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