When you get paid to be a surrogate, you are agreeing to be there for someone else’s family like never before. Our intended parents approach us because they are infertile. They have wants and desires for a surrogate mother. If you match their criteria, we then start going over how much you get paid as a surrogate with the intended parents. Each surrogacy agency is different, but here at Made in the USA Surrogacy, we believe in taking care of our surrogates so we created our surrogate compensation package. We can’t speak on all surrogacy agencies but we can show you why we are the best on the west coast.
The Surrogate Compensation Package
When you become a surrogate, you might not only be asking how much you get paid to be a surrogate, but also when you get paid during the surrogacy process. These are all valid questions as you embark on the journey of being a surrogate, so we want to provide you with 6 ways you get paid to be a surrogate through our surrogate compensation package.
1. Base Compensation
The surrogate base compensation is the minimum amount that you will receive during your surrogate pregnancy. However, many candidates in surrogacy forget to remember when this compensation begins. Base compensation only begins when you are confirmed pregnant after an IVF transfer. This can take several tries, sometimes only one, but mostly likely a minimum of 2-3. This is why we ask surrogates to already be financially able to support themselves, without surrogate pay. Made in the USA has base compensation currently to be $60,000 for a first-time surrogate mother, and $65,000 for experienced candidates.
2. Travel Compensation
You asked how much you get paid to be a surrogate, and that number can vary based on many factors. Whether you travel is a big factor for many surrogate mothers as it can be stressful with a family. This is why we, in our surrogacy contract, make sure that intended parents pay the entire amount that it costs for you to travel, whether that’s for air travel, hotel, car, or food. We even make sure that if you need a companion, the intended parents can pay you for your companion on these items.
3. Other Compensation (Work Loss, Medical Insurance, and Bedrest)
Most surrogate moms may not know, but with Made in the USA Surrogacy, if you work, you are paid for hours lost. Lost wages are critical in determining whether you want to become a surrogate. We know several surrogate agencies that do not pay you for lost wages because they loop it into your base compensation. Depending on whether you are a CA surrogate, out of state, or otherwise, don’t let that deter you from applying with our agency, since surrogates get paid lost wages in addition to your base compensation. Each gestational surrogate will also receive payment for her monthly health insurance premium, or a new fully surrogate-friendly policy to cover the surrogacy.
4. Bonus Compensation
Occasionally Made in the USA Surrogacy will run marketing incentives that include bonuses for surrogate mothers in California or for other factors. Intended Parents will be paying these bonuses if you come to our agency based on the bonus parameters, but they do vary and are not offered all of the time. For example, during COVID we ran a $10,000 bonus opportunity for those that signed on during that time. Other benefits are different but bonus opportunities do present themselves when you consider how much you get paid to be a surrogate.
5. Embryo Transfer and Medication Start Compensation
As noted above, you may need to go to embryo transfer multiple times, so in that instance, you would receive $1,500 per transfer. In addition to this fee that you receive for your time and effort, you are paid $500 to start medication. We all hope these are paid just one time, meaning that the transfer was successful the first time! But rest easy that your efforts are not in vain!
6. Lost wages and Spousal Lost Wages and Invasive Procedures
In addition to the compensation noted above, there can be other situations in which you can receive compensation. Being married is not an issue, but you can receive up to 10 days for lost wages for your spouse. If he makes $25/hour we multiply that x 8 hours and your surrogate pay is 10 days of that – $2,000 extra. Depending on the number your spouse makes that is verified, he will be entitled to 10 days of that daily rate.
Other ways that you can calculate how much you get paid to be a surrogate can include other complication factors, such as C-Section ($2500 for example), Invasive Procedures $1500, and loss of reproductive organs (we hope this doesn’t happen!), and other surrogate pay.
What Do Surrogates Make in Total?
Surrogates with Made in the USA Surrogacy can make anywhere from $75,000 to nearly $100,000!
Whether you’re interested in being a surrogate or want to know how much you get paid to be a surrogate, inquire with us!
What am I Getting Paid for as a Surrogate?
Surrogate compensation covers various aspects of the surrogacy process to ensure that the surrogate is fairly reimbursed for her time, effort, and dedication. Here are the key elements a surrogate is getting paid for:
Time and Commitment
Being a surrogate requires a significant investment of time and commitment. From the beginning, surrogates dedicate countless hours to medical appointments, screenings, and consultations to ensure they are fully prepared for the process. Once pregnant, the surrogate must adhere to a strict schedule of prenatal care, including regular doctor visits, ultrasounds, and following any health guidelines provided by her physician. Additionally, commitment extends to maintaining open and timely communication with the intended parents, offering them peace of mind as they follow the pregnancy’s progress. This dedication ensures that the intended parents’ dreams of starting or growing their family are fulfilled, showcasing the surrogate’s unwavering reliability and selflessness throughout the journey.
Surrogate Medical Procedures
Being a surrogate involves undergoing several medical procedures to ensure a successful and healthy pregnancy. The surrogacy medical process typically starts with an extensive medical screening process, which includes blood tests, physical evaluations, and psychological assessments to confirm the surrogate’s overall health and readiness for the surrogacy journey. Once cleared, surrogates often begin a regimen of fertility medications to prepare their body for embryo transfer. The embryo transfer itself is a key procedure, where the fertilized embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus under the supervision of a fertility specialist, often requiring precise timing and coordination. Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate also attends numerous prenatal appointments, ultrasounds, and routine monitoring to ensure the health and development of the baby. For some surrogates, additional procedures such as amniocentesis, cervical cerclage, or even a C-section may be necessary, depending on medical circumstances.
Physical and Emotional Effort
Surrogacy requires significant physical and emotional effort from the surrogate, reflecting the immense dedication involved in helping someone else build their family. Physically, surrogates experience the common challenges of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, fatigue, body aches, and hormonal fluctuations. Carrying a child involves changes to the surrogate’s body, including weight gain, potential pregnancy complications, and the physical demands of delivery, which might include undergoing a C-section. The surrogate’s adherence to a healthy lifestyle, strict medical guidelines, and regular appointments also place additional physical demands on her everyday life.
Emotionally, surrogates must balance their personal lives with the complexities of the surrogacy process. While many experience the joy of helping others achieve their dream of parenthood, there can also be emotional ups and downs, such as managing relationships with the intended parents and navigating their own feelings throughout the pregnancy. Surrogates must have strong support systems in place to help them manage any stress or anxiety and ensure their well-being. This emotional resilience, combined with the physical commitment, highlights the extraordinary effort surrogates invest in making this selfless gift possible.
Impact on Family Life
Surrogacy not only requires commitment from the surrogate but also impacts her family life in several meaningful ways. Throughout the surrogacy process, the surrogate’s family often becomes part of the experience, providing support and adapting to the changes that come with her new role. For instance, managing the physical demands of pregnancy, attending medical appointments, and adhering to a healthy lifestyle can limit the time she has available for other activities, which may require adjustments in family routines.
Emotionally, family members may experience a range of feelings, including pride in the surrogate’s selflessness and compassion, or even moments of concern about her health and well-being during pregnancy. Open communication within the household is crucial to address any questions or challenges and foster a supportive environment. Additionally, surrogacy can help teach children in the surrogate’s family valuable lessons about empathy, generosity, and the importance of helping others. By involving her family in this life-changing process, the surrogate fosters a sense of shared purpose and creates meaningful memories that can strengthen familial bonds in the long run.
Frequently Asked How Much Do You Get Paid to be a Surrogate Questions
Is surrogate compensation taxable?
Surrogate compensation is considered taxable income and must be reported when filing taxes. The IRS views payments received for services, including being a surrogate, as earned income. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional to understand how surrogacy pay may impact your tax situation and to ensure proper filings. Additionally, keeping detailed records of all payments and related expenses can be helpful during tax season.
Do surrogates get paid monthly?
Yes, surrogates typically receive compensation on a monthly basis once the pregnancy has been confirmed. Payments are scheduled according to the terms outlined in the surrogacy contract, ensuring that surrogates are compensated regularly throughout the pregnancy. The base compensation is often divided into equal monthly installments to provide financial stability during this time. Additional payments for other compensations, like travel or medical-related expenses, are usually disbursed as needed.
Do surrogates get paid more for twins?
Yes, surrogates do get paid more for carrying twins. The additional compensation, often referred to as a multiples fee, is provided due to the increased physical demands and medical risks associated with carrying more than one baby. For example, Made in the USA Surrogacy offers an additional $5,000 for a twin pregnancy. This extra payment is designed to acknowledge the surrogate’s added responsibility and the care required in such situations.
Whether you’re interested in being a surrogate or want to know more about surrogate mother pay, inquire with us!
