Cabinet Secretary
Matt Althoff
South Dakota Adoption Subsidy Program
Who can apply for the Adoption Subsidy Program?
If you are interested in adopting a child who is under the care of public agencies, you can apply for the program.
When will subsidy be received?
Upon placement for adoption.
How long can the subsidy continue?
Subsidy may continue until the child is 18 years old or longer if the individual is living at home and enrolled in and regularly attending high school.
Does the child have to remain in South Dakota to receive subsidy?
No. Subsidy can be paid regardless of where the child and the adoptive parent(s) live. However, services covered by Medicaid may vary from state to state.
What if the child is receiving benefits such as SSI, SSA, VA, Railroad or other beneficiary payments?
After the finalization of the adoption, the parent(s) may apply directly to the benefit source and receive the benefits. When the amount of the adoption subsidy payment is negotiated, these additional resources are considered.
If the child starts to receive benefits after the adoptive placement, does it have to be reported?
Yes. Benefits might change the amount of subsidy or Medicaid coverage for which the child is eligible.
What if the adoptive parent(s) has health and medical insurance?
The adoptive parent’s insurance must be used if the child can be covered through his/her insurance company. Medicaid may be used if the insurance company pays below the Medicaid allowable and the service falls within the scope of the Medicaid program.
If the parent(s) chooses not to apply for subsidy before the adoption is finalized, can they apply later if there is a change in the child’s health condition?
No. Federal regulations do not allow a subsidy to be written after the adoption is finalized.
Is there ever a review of the need for adoption subsidy?
No. The subsidy is written until the child’s 18th birthday.
Do changes need to be reported?
Yes. Changes in circumstances such as change of address, benefits being received by the child, or the child leaving the adopted home should be reported to:
Address:
Department of Social Services
Division of Child Protection Services
Adoption Specialist
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, South Dakota 57501-2291
Phone: 605.773.3227
Address:
Department of Social Services
Division of Child Protection Services
Adoption Specialist
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, South Dakota 57501-2291
Phone: 605.773.3227
If a service is offered from another source in the community, does it need to be used?
If the service is appropriate to meet the child’s needs, it must be used. Examples of services may include speech therapy or tutoring from the public schools or Indian Health Services.
If insurance or community resources now meet the child’s needs, is there any reason to apply for subsidy?
Applications may be made for subsidy to cover the child in case the insurance or community resources become unavailable at a later date.
Are the payments made to the parent(s) or directly to a professional?
The monthly check is paid directly to the adoptive parent(s). Medicaid is paid to eligible vendors after the service is given.
Who can the adoptive parents contact when they have questions or need to report changes?
Changes should be reported in writing or by telephone to:
Address:
Department of Social Services
Division of Child Protection Services
Adoption Specialist
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, South Dakota 57501-2291
Phone: 605.773.3227
Address:
Department of Social Services
Division of Child Protection Services
Adoption Specialist
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, South Dakota 57501-2291
Phone: 605.773.3227