Subdivision 1. General requirements. (a) Under certain limited circumstances, a child may qualify for extension of the adoption assistance agreement beyond the date the child attains age 18, up to the date the child attains the age of 21.
(b) A request for extension of the adoption assistance agreement must be completed in writing and submitted, including all supporting documentation, by the adoptive parent at least 60 calendar days prior to the date that the current agreement will terminate.
(c) A signed amendment to the current adoption assistance agreement must be fully executed between the adoptive parent and the commissioner at least ten business days prior to the termination of the current agreement. The request for extension and the fully executed amendment must be made according to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner, including documentation of eligibility, and on forms prescribed by the commissioner.
(d) If a child-placing agency is certifying a child for adoption assistance and the child will attain the age of 18 within 60 calendar days of submission, the request for extension must be completed in writing and submitted, including all supporting documentation, with the adoption assistance application.
Subd. 2. Extension past age 18 for child adopted after 16th birthday. A child who has attained the age of 16 prior to finalization of the child's adoption is eligible for extension of the adoption assistance agreement up to the date the child attains age 21 if the child is:
(1) dependent on the adoptive parent for care and financial support; and
(2)(i) completing a secondary education program or a program leading to an equivalent credential;
(ii) enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education;
(iii) participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment;
(iv) employed for at least 80 hours per month; or
(v) incapable of doing any of the activities described in items (i) to (iv) due to a medical condition where incapability is supported by documentation from an expert according to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 3. Extension past age 18 for child adopted prior to 16th birthday. A child who has not attained the age of 16 prior to finalization of the child's adoption is eligible for extension of the adoption assistance agreement up to the date the child attains the age of 21 if the child is:
(1) dependent on the adoptive parent for care and financial support; and
(2)(i) enrolled in a secondary education program or a program leading to the equivalent; or
(ii) incapable of sustaining employment because of the continuation of a physical or mental disability, upon which eligibility for adoption assistance was approved.
2012 c 216 art 3 s 10
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities
Chapter 259A — Adoption Assistance
Section 259A.01 — Definitions.
Section 259A.05 — Program Administration.
Section 259A.10 — Eligibility Requirements.
Section 259A.12 — No New Execution Of Adoption Assistance Agreements.
Section 259A.15 — Establishment Of Adoption Assistance Eligibility.
Section 259A.20 — Benefits And Payments.
Section 259A.25 — Determination Of Adoption Assistance Benefits And Payment.
Section 259A.30 — Reporting Responsibilities.
Section 259A.35 — Termination Of Agreement.
Section 259A.40 — Assignment Of Adoption Assistance Agreement.
Section 259A.45 — Extension Of Adoption Assistance Agreement.
Section 259A.50 — Overpayments Of Adoption Assistance.
Section 259A.55 — Appeals And Fair Hearings.
Section 259A.65 — Interstate Compact On Adoption And Medical Assistance.