(a) If we determine that the child is eligible for adoption assistance, we send you a proposed adoption assistance agreement that identifies the specific benefits for which your child is eligible. We must receive your signed adoption assistance agreement before you finalize the adoption. Benefits are not available until there is a legally binding agreement.
(b) If the child is eligible for benefits other than the reimbursement of nonrecurring expenses, we send you an adoption assistance agreement that may specify a monthly payment amount. If you are not offered the maximum monthly payment amount, as described in §700.844 of this title (relating to How are monthly payment amounts determined?), you can discuss and negotiate the amount with us before you sign and return the proposed adoption assistance agreement.
(c) If you and your child do not have any current need for adoption assistance, but reasonably expect to have a need in the future, you can sign a deferred agreement, as described in §700.801(10) of this title (relating to What do certain pronouns, words, and terms in this subchapter mean?).
(d) If the child is eligible for reimbursement of nonrecurring expenses, you cannot receive that benefit until after the adoption is finalized, as described in §700.850 of this title (relating to How do I get reimbursement of nonrecurring expenses?).

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.842 adopted to be effective July 12, 2001, 26 TexReg 5061; amended to be effective May 1, 2002, 27 TexReg 2838; amended to be effective March 1, 2010, 35 TexReg 875