How do I know who my adoption support program consultant is?
Your consultant will be listed in your Adoption Support Agreement. Visit the contact page for contact information. Reach out to the Adoption Support Supervisor or Program Manager if you need more support.
What do I need to do if I move?
Tell your adoption support program consultant about an address change as soon as possible. If you don’t, there may be issues with receiving payments and Medicaid coverage. All requests must be made in writing. Visit the Requesting a Change page for more information.
What do I do if I do not receive my payment?
Adoption support payments are not forwarded by the post office. If you have moved, please report your address change as soon as possible. See the Requesting a Change page for more information about this process.
Contact your assigned adoption support program consultant if your payment is missing, lost, or stolen.
Adoption Support Payments are usually received between the 25th and 31st of each month. Adoption support payments that would typically come at the end of June (for the month of July) will be late due to the end of the fiscal year. There may be other delays because of the federal holiday on July 4.
Can I get direct deposit?
Yes, we encourage all families to set up direct deposit. If you have questions about these forms or the process, please contact your assigned adoption support program consultant. Please continue to let adoption support know of any address changes, even if you have direct deposit.
How do I change the bank account for my direct deposit?
To immediately stop direct deposit, contact the Social Service Payment System (SSPS) at 360-664-6161.
To update any other direct deposit information please follow these directions.
How do I request a change to my adoption support?
If there has been a change to your child's needs or family circumstances, you may request a review of your adoption support agreement. Please see the Requesting a Change page for more information.
How do I request my child’s records or documents?
Visit the DCYF Public Disclosure webpage for information on making a public records request.
Can my child receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and an adoption support payment?
Both SSI and adoption support are funded through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. Adoption support payments must be reported to SSI at the time of application, and the amount of your adoption support will be deducted from any monthly SSI payment your child may be eligible for.
Can I still receive adoption support services if my child is turning 18?
Please see the Youth Turning 18 page for more information about extending past 18 years of age.
Can my child still receive adoption support services if they are in college?
Unless your child was adopted after their 16th birthday and qualified for the extended adoption support program, all adoption support benefits including Medicaid coverage, payments, and/or counseling services will end when they turn 18 and graduate high school.
What if my child has special needs past the age of 18, but is not in full-time high school?
If your child is over 18 and does not qualify for an extension of the adoption support program but has disabilities preventing them from working, we encourage families to apply for SSI disability as a disabled adult.
You may also want to look at available services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) or Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS).
Under no circumstances can adoption support be extended past a youth's 21st birthday.
Will adoption support pay for private residential treatment?
No, adoption support cannot pay for residential treatment. Please check with your Medicaid provider to learn about mental health services or treatment options. See the Resources page or Families in Crisis page for more information.
Am I required to report if my child is no longer living in my home?
Yes, you must report any changes to where your child is living to your adoption support program consultant within 30 days. Changes you should report include your child:
- Running away
- Checking into an inpatient treatment program
- Living with a family friend or relative
- Being incarcerated
