There is good news for Walmart employees who plan to adopt. Walmart has made big changes this year to its benefits package. The company announced plans for the changes in January, which are being implemented throughout the year. The adoption benefits created will allow for $5,000 in reimbursement for adoption-related expenses. Aside from the adoption benefits, the company has added one-time bonuses, an increased starting wage, and expanded leave benefits.
“Today, we are building on investments we’ve been making in associates, in their wages and skills development,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO. “It’s our people who make the difference and we appreciate how they work hard to make every day easier for busy families.”
The adoption benefit will be available to both hourly and salaried employees. It allows for $5,000 per child in reimbursement for expenses such as adoption agency fees, translation fees, and legal or court costs. To qualify, adoptions must be finalized on or after February 1, 2018. The adoption services and expenses paid must be on or after February 1, 2018.
To claim the benefit, you must complete the claim form from their website and attach documentation including invoices or bills for eligible costs such as application fees, agency, and placement fees, legal and court costs, immigration costs, travel expenses, counseling, payment receipts up to $5,000, and proof of the finalized adoption.
Parental leave will be available for associates who become parents through birth, adoption, or foster care placement. They will receive up to six weeks paid, protected time away from work. The leave may be taken in one week increments and must be used during the first year of birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Other benefits will include 10 weeks paid maternity leave, one-time bonuses up to $1,000 based on length of service, and an increased starting rate of $11 an hour for all hourly employees.
