For HR leaders and benefits professionals, November is synonymous with Open Enrollment—a whirlwind of questions, final plan reviews, and deadlines. But November is also National Adoption Month, a time to reflect on how the benefits we offer can open doors for employees who dream of building their families through adoption.
At Vesta for Families, we believe awareness is just the beginning. True inclusion means giving employees access—to the financial, emotional, and educational support they need to pursue adoption confidently.
From Awareness to Access
For many employees, adoption feels out of reach. With average costs ranging from $45,000 to $75,000 for domestic adoption—and even higher for international—financial barriers, they can stop families before they start.
That’s why IRS Code 137 matters. It allows employers to offer up to $17,280 in tax-free adoption assistance (2025 limit) per employee. Whether structured as a reimbursement program or salary exclusion, this benefit helps employees offset adoption-related expenses while demonstrating that their employer supports all paths to parenthood.
Yet, too often, this benefit goes unimplemented or under-communicated. HR leaders have the opportunity to change that narrative—starting now, during Open Enrollment.
Three Commitments for HR Leaders
You don’t need a large team or a complex rollout to make a difference. Small, actionable steps can transform awareness into access.
1. Verify – Ensure your benefit plan or HRIS references the Qualified Adoption Assistance Program (QAAP) under IRS Code 137. This simple confirmation ensures compliance and eligibility for employees and the company alike.
2. Communicate – Include adoption assistance wherever fertility or family-building benefits are discussed—open enrollment materials, intranet benefits guides, or employee Q&A sessions. Visibility is key to utilization.
3. Connect – Partner with Vesta for Families for turnkey employee education, personalized coaching, and compliance-aligned support. Our expert coaches guide employees through every stage of their journey—from understanding options to navigating complex processes, budgeting, applying for grants, and making confident decisions. For employers, Vesta helps draft inclusive adoption and family-building benefit policies, supports QAAP setup and documentation, and ensures your offerings align with both compliance requirements and your culture of care. We equip your workforce—without adding to your workload.
Join Our National Adoption Month Webinar — November 13
Vesta is hosting live sessions designed specifically for HR leaders and benefits brokers:
Adoption Assistance Benefits: What Every Employer Should Know
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2025
In this session, we’ll cover:
• How Section 137 works and why it’s underutilized
• Implementation tips and best practices for HR teams
• Communication strategies to drive engagement
• A free Vesta Adoption Assistance Toolkit for attendees
HR & Benefits Leaders
Time: 10:00 am CT / 11:00 am ET
Register Here → https://www.vestaforfamilies.com/event/adoption-assistance-benefits-hr-webinar/
Broker & Benefits Consultants
Time: 2:00 pm CT / 3:00 pm ET
Register Here → https://www.vestaforfamilies.com/event/adoption-assistance-benefits-broker-webinar/
Why It Matters
When employees see adoption supported in the same way as fertility benefits, they feel seen, valued, and included. Offering adoption assistance isn’t just a policy decision—it’s a statement about your organization’s culture and values. It tells employees that family isn’t defined by biology alone, but by commitment, love, and belonging.
At Vesta for Families, we help employers translate those values into action. This National Adoption Month, let’s move beyond awareness. Let’s make adoption accessible.
Together, we can make family-building benefits inclusive for every employee who dreams of becoming a parent.