An Easy Guide to Surrogate Pay & Compensation
4 Common Questions About How Surrogates Are Paid
One of the most frequent questions we get from prospective surrogacy candidates is: how much are surrogates paid? This is a completely reasonable question! While all our surrogates want to help intended parents grow their families, it’s also important to know exactly what to expect from the surrogacy journey, including compensation. We’ve answered the most common questions about surrogate pay and compensation below – and if you have more questions afterwards, please give us a call.
Why Do Surrogates Get Paid?
The primary motivation for surrogates should always be the desire to help build a family. However, surrogacy is a long journey with significant physical and emotional impact, so it makes sense that surrogates should be compensated for their time, effort, and energy. This amount is called “base surrogate compensation.” In addition to the base compensation, surrogates are also reimbursed for any expenses associated with the pregnancy and delivery. As a surrogate, you should never have to pay out of pocket for anything related to your surrogacy journey.
How Much Is Base Surrogate Pay and Compensation?
The national average for first-time surrogate base compensation is $30,000. This is paid directly to the surrogate, to be used as they wish. It’s important to note that this is an average rate, and the actual surrogate pay and compensation can vary from agency to agency. At Eggceptional Surrogates, our base rate starts at $35,000 and can be higher depending on the surrogate.
Some factors that can increase how much a surrogate makes include:
- Previous successful surrogacy experience
- Location
- Carrying multiples (ex. twins or triplets)
- If a C-section delivery is required
- If the surrogate has their own health insurance with no surrogacy exclusions, the base compensation is $40,000.
Each agency has different compensation policies. For instance, we provide a higher base compensation to surrogates if their insurance policy covers pregnancy through surrogacy.
Who Covers Surrogacy Expenses?
As a surrogate, you are offering your time, energy, and care to carry a child for the intended parents. You are not required to provide financial support as well, which is why they cover all surrogacy expenses. This can include things like:
- Maternity clothes
- Any medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Travel (ex. to the fertility clinic for the embryo transfer)
- Lost wages due to medical appointments or bed rest
- Childcare or housekeeping
How and When Does a Surrogate Get Paid?
The exact amount, method, and schedule for surrogate pay and compensation depends on the surrogacy agency. At Eggceptional, we go over all our compensation details during your consultation and interview, so you know exactly what to expect.
Surrogates are usually paid their base compensation in monthly installments, starting once the pregnancy has been confirmed. All expenses are paid as they come up. Most agencies will have the intended parents put their surrogate funds into escrow, so payment is managed by a third party. This protects everyone and allows you to form a wonderful bond with the intended parents without having to navigate awkward financial conversations (just one of the many reasons why you should use a great surrogacy agency!
As you can see, the details of how much a surrogate makes really depend on the agency you work with. We love talking with interested candidates and answering all their questions – give us a call today to find out if the surrogacy journey is right for you.
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