If you’re contemplating becoming a surrogate or using gestational surrogacy to start your family, you likely have numerous questions about compensation. How much do surrogates earn? What factors influence the payment? If you’re seeking answers, you’ve come to the right place.
We provide detailed information on surrogate compensation, covering every aspect you need to know. This includes when and how surrogates receive payment, the influence of insurance coverage, and the specific procedures that can increase the overall compensation. Our comprehensive guide will help you understand all the nuances of surrogate compensation, ensuring you are well-informed about what to expect financially throughout the surrogacy journey.
Can You Get Paid To Be a Surrogate?
Yes, you can and should be paid to be a surrogate. Recognizing the value of a woman’s time, effort, and dedication in gestational surrogacy is essential. Pregnancy is demanding, and surrogates deserve fair compensation for their commitment.
The financial rewards of surrogacy can be quite substantial, making it an appealing option for many women to become a surrogate. However, the exact compensation varies depending on the specifics of each case. If you’re prepared to take on the journey and have found an agency that offers a competitive compensation package, surrogacy can be a lucrative endeavor.
For intended parents planning to grow their family through surrogacy, understanding the financial aspects is crucial. Surrogate compensation is a significant percentage of the overall surrogacy costs, so reviewing this information will help you budget for the entire process.
How Much Do Surrogates Make?
Determining surrogate compensation isn’t straightforward, as it varies depending on the specific circumstances and the surrogacy agency involved. On average, surrogates can earn between $30,000 and $60,000 for the base salary alone. However, this doesn’t account for additional compensation, which is detailed in the section below.
As you can see, the range in pay is quite broad. The final amount depends on several key factors, including:
- The rates and benefits package offered by the surrogacy agency
- The surrogate’s experience
- The surrogate’s state of residence
- The surrogate’s health insurance
Not all surrogacy agencies provide great compensation. Some may offer a decent salary but lack in benefits, while others might include numerous bonuses but offer a lower base salary — making independent surrogacy more appealing but higher risk. As a surrogate, it’s important to find an agency that provides both a competitive base salary and a generous benefits package.
Additionally, average salaries can vary by state. Surrogacy-friendly states like California, Oregon, Texas, North Carolina, Washington, and Florida typically offer higher compensation due to the high demand for surrogates.
Lastly, the surrogate’s health insurance can influence the overall compensation. If her policy covers maternity care, she may be eligible for higher pay.
Who Pays for the Surrogacy?
The financial responsibility for surrogacy rests entirely on the intended parents. This is always the case; surrogates do not pay any part of the process—in fact, they are compensated for their efforts. Surrogacy is a demanding job, and surrogates deserve fair pay without incurring any expenses themselves.
Compensation for the surrogate is a significant part of the total surrogacy costs for intended parents. They need to consider these expenses when deciding if surrogacy is right for them. It is wise for intended parents to work with an agency that handles all aspects of the surrogacy process. Although independent surrogacy may seem attractive, it carries more risks than going through an agency.
Fair compensation for the surrogate is crucial to ensure both her well-being and that of the baby. Cutting costs should never come at the expense of the surrogate’s or the baby’s health and happiness.
Who Is Responsible for Paying the Surrogate?
Although the intended parents fund the surrogacy, they do so through a surrogacy agency. Essentially, it is the agency that manages the payment process for the surrogate.
One significant advantage of utilizing a surrogacy agency is that they handle all logistics, paperwork, and administrative tasks. This allows the intended parents and the surrogate to focus on the journey of bringing a healthy, happy child into the world.
During the setup of the gestational surrogacy, the agency collects all relevant and necessary information from the surrogate to ensure proper compensation. This includes details such as legal name, address, bank account information (if direct deposit is selected), and tax information.
In many ways, the process resembles that of conventional employment, because, fundamentally, it is a job.
When Do Surrogates Get Paid?
Surrogates receive compensation much like a regular job, with payments made biweekly or monthly. This schedule is outlined in the surrogacy contract, which details the base salary and any bonuses or reimbursements.
In addition to the base salary, surrogates often get a monthly allowance for miscellaneous expenses, with the agency covering costs that exceed this allowance (pre-approval may be required). It’s important to keep all receipts and documentation.
The payment structure includes two types of monthly payments: base salary and a monthly allowance. These amounts are detailed in the surrogacy contract, ensuring clarity for all parties.
Surrogate Compensation: A Breakdown
Surrogacy compensation encompasses several key categories:
Base Salary
The base salary for surrogates is a negotiated, agreed-upon amount explicitly stated in the surrogacy contract before the embryo transfer. This salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Surrogacy agencies often work with surrogates nationwide, offering competitive base salaries regardless of the surrogate’s state of residence. Agency representatives can provide detailed information about these arrangements.
Benefits Package
In addition to the base salary, surrogates receive additional payments or bonuses to account for various circumstances that may arise during the pregnancy. These include:
- Screening to ensure the surrogate meets all requirements.
- Lost wages for the surrogate’s spouse or partner if bed rest is needed.
- Additional payments for carrying twins or triplets.
- Coverage for maternity clothes and other related expenses.
- Childcare, meals, and housekeeping support if the surrogate has children.
- Multiple embryo transfers and fertility medication cycles until the surrogate gets pregnant.
- Medically necessary procedures such as C-sections.
- Compensation for pumping breast milk after delivery.
These benefits vary by agency, so it is crucial to discuss these details with the agency representative. Some expenses may need to be covered by the surrogate’s monthly allowance.
Reimbursement for Expenses
Surrogates incur no expenses during their journey, with all costs covered, including:
- Medical costs, including those not covered by insurance.
- Travel to and from fertility treatments and doctor’s visits.
- Medical supplies, medications, and prenatal vitamins.
- Individual or group counseling.
- Legal fees, including the drafting of the surrogacy contract.
Ensure these reimbursements are clearly outlined in the surrogacy contract.
Medical Procedures
Several medical procedures are necessary throughout the surrogacy journey, which can increase total compensation:
- Mock Cycle: A trial run of medications to gauge the surrogate’s response, typically compensated between $200 and $500.
- Embryo Transfer: The process of implanting the embryo into the surrogate’s uterus, with average compensation of $1,000.
- Cesarean Section (C-Section): Compensation ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 for this common surgical delivery.
- Termination of Pregnancy: In cases of abortion or miscarriage, compensation ranges from $500 to $1,500.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: If the embryo attaches outside the uterus, compensation is between $1,000 and $1,500.
- Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, a rare procedure with compensation ranging from $4,000 to $6,000.
- Various Invasive Procedures: Compensation ranges from $500 to $1,000 for procedures such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, cerclage, dilation and curettage, and fetal reduction.
These additional payments and procedures highlight the comprehensive nature of surrogacy compensation, ensuring surrogates are fairly compensated for their commitment and efforts.
How Can a Surrogate Calculate Her Total Compensation?
To calculate total compensation, a surrogate should first have a detailed breakdown of all intended payment amounts as outlined in the finalized surrogacy contract. Using this information, the following formula can be applied:
Total Compensation = Base Salary + Allowance + Paid Expenses + Lost Wages + Childcare Costs + Health Insurance
While the base salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000, including all expense reimbursements and bonuses can increase the total compensation to $70,000 to $90,000. The final sum will vary based on individual circumstances and state regulations.
Is Surrogate Compensation Taxable Income?
Yes, surrogate compensation is taxable income, similar to any job. Surrogacy agencies typically issue a 1099-MISC form. It is important to consult with a surrogacy professional or reproductive lawyer to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Agencies often have experienced staff to assist with the income tax process.
Some surrogacy expenses may be deductible, depending on individual circumstances and policies. Consult an accounting expert to explore these options and keep all receipts and paperwork. Surrogacy agencies are valuable resources, offering support to ensure a positive and financially rewarding journey.
Factors Influencing Surrogate Compensation
Several factors can influence total surrogate compensation beyond the base components:
Twins or Triplets: Due to the nature of IVF, multiple pregnancies are more common. Most agencies offer additional compensation for carrying twins or triplets, typically ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. Ensure these details are clearly outlined in the surrogacy contract.
Repeat Surrogacies: Experienced surrogates often receive higher compensation. Agencies may offer up to $10,000 more for second-time or experienced surrogates, reflecting their greater experience. This increased pay is part of the base salary, resulting in higher monthly paychecks. Previous successful pregnancies are required, with limits on the number of prior deliveries.
Miscarriage: In the event of a miscarriage, surrogates are compensated for their time and effort up to that point, with the base compensation prorated if necessary. All related expenses are also covered.
Find A Surrogacy Agency With High Compensation
If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, choose an agency that offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Surrogacy By Faith provides one of the most generous compensation plans, including $12,500 for extras like gym memberships, maternity clothes, travel expenses, and housekeeping costs.
We value our surrogates, compensating them fairly and generously. Guided by Christian values, we support all women who wish to help families in need, regardless of their faith.
We work with surrogates and intended parents nationwide. Interested in joining us? Fill out our Surrogate Initial Inquiry form to start the process. Potential intended parents can complete our Intended Parents Initial Inquiry form. Get started today!