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Adoption expense reimbursement rules updated for Active and Reserve Marines

MARADMIN 501/26·October 16, 2026·3 min read·Official source

The Marine Corps published new guidance on how adoption expense reimbursement works, canceling the previous MARADMIN on the topic (076/18). The process, eligibility rules, and required paperwork are now consolidated here. If you've adopted or are in the process of adopting a child, this is worth reading before you submit anything.

Heads up: Reserve Marines must be on active duty orders for 180 or more consecutive days, and the adoption must be finalized before separation from active duty, or the claim is dead on arrival.

Who it affects

Active duty Marines and RC Marines called to active duty for 180 or more consecutive days who have adopted, or are adopting, a child under 18. Both married and single service members are eligible. If both parents are Marines, only one can claim reimbursement for the same child.

What you need to do

If you've completed an adoption and you're eligible, here's how to file:

  1. Complete DD Form 2675 (one form per child). Find it at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd2500_2999/DD2675/
  2. Get a copy of the final adoption decree, certificate, or court order. If it's in a foreign language, include an English translation.
  3. Gather documentation proving you used a qualified, licensed adoption agency: a placement agreement, agency letter, or receipts work.
  4. Collect itemized receipts, cancelled checks, or agency letters for every expense you're claiming.
  5. For foreign adoptions: include proof of the child's U.S. citizenship.
  6. RC Marines only: include a copy of your active-duty orders showing 180 or more consecutive days.
  7. Submit the full package through your chain of command to your servicing Personnel Administrative Office (PAO). The PAO reviews and forwards to the Disbursing Officer or Finance Office (DO/FO) for final approval. If anything is missing, you'll have 90 days to fix it once the PAO contacts you.

Before any of that: make sure your child is enrolled in DEERS. You cannot submit a claim without it.

What's reimbursable:

  • Public and private agency fees, including foreign agencies
  • Placement fees and counseling fees
  • Legal fees and court costs
  • Medical expenses for the biological mother and for the child prior to adoption
  • Temporary foster care charges required before placement

What's not reimbursable:

  • Travel expenses
  • Clothing, bedding, toys, books, or similar items

Key dates

  • 2 years from the date the adoption is finalized to submit your claim (domestic)
  • 2 years from the date the child's U.S. citizenship certificate is issued (foreign adoptions)
  • Before separation: if you're leaving active duty, the adoption must be finalized and the claim submitted before your separation date
  • 90 days to respond if the DO/FO returns your package for corrections
  • Deployment-related exceptions to the 2-year deadline require approval from the first General Officer in your chain of command

Reimbursement caps: $2,000 per child, $5,000 maximum per calendar year.

The official version

This guidance is in MARADMIN 501/26. It supersedes MARADMIN 076/18. The underlying authority comes from Department of War Instruction 1341.09 (Change 1) and DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 7A. Questions go to the Manpower Military Policy Branch at SMB_HQMC_MPO@USMC.MIL or 703-784-9371/72.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Reimbursement for Adoption Fees instruction (DOWI 1341.09)Reference

    This Department of War instruction is the primary authority governing adoption expense reimbursement. It defines what qualifies for reimbursement and sets the rules this MARADMIN implements.

  • DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Appendix A (DoD 7000.14-R)Reference

    This regulation provides the financial rules for reimbursing adoption expenses, including dollar limits and what expenses are or are not covered.

  • Marine Corps Parenthood and Pregnancy order (MCO 5000.12F w/ Change 2)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order covers policy on parenthood and pregnancy. This MARADMIN remains in effect until its adoption reimbursement guidance is incorporated into this order.

  • Previous adoption reimbursement MARADMIN (MARADMIN 076/18)MARADMIN

    This is the prior message on adoption expense reimbursement that the current MARADMIN cancels and replaces. It is listed for reference only; the new guidance in this message supersedes it.

  • DoD Privacy and Civil Liberties Programs instruction (DODI 5400.11 w/ Change 1)Reference

    This instruction governs how personally identifiable information must be handled. PAOs are required to safeguard Marines' PII collected during the reimbursement process in accordance with it.

  • DD Form 2675 (Adoption Reimbursement Claim Form)

    If you are adopting a child, DD Form 2675 is the official form you submit to request reimbursement for eligible adoption expenses. Filling it out correctly is the first step toward recovering qualifying costs under the military's adoption reimbursement benefit.

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