How Much Do Surrogate Mothers Get Paid?

Who Will Cover the Costs Associated With My Surrogate Pregnancy?

All of your surrogate expenses are paid by insurance or the intended parents. Your compensation package at ConceiveAbilities allows you to get paid on a regular basis, limits any out-of-pocket expenses for you, and lets you decide what you need most. Housekeeping? Childcare? Maternity clothes? Your decision. Do you need to take some time off work? Covered totally, with full wage and salary replenishment.

Why Do Women Become Surrogates?

ConceiveAbilities recently hired research firm Accelerant Research to better understand surrogates. The firm surveyed 100 surrogates, more than 500 qualified surrogacy prospects and more than 1,000 women from the general population. Of the surrogates and qualified surrogacy prospects, Accelerant found:

• More than three-quarters said they did so because they personally knew someone who was in need
• Two-thirds said they had first-hand exposure to a close friend or relative’s struggle with weighing the infertility
• Nearly one-quarter of them foster pets
• Almost half are registered blood and organ donors
• More than half regularly volunteer

How Does Surrogate Mother Pay Work?

What you earn as a surrogate at ConceiveAbilities is structured into easy and timely scheduled payments, so that you can focus on a healthy and successful surrogacy journey without the burden of submitting receipts for reimbursement. Further, we package all of your payments in a simple way that allows you to plan ahead in a manner that is best for you and your family. Our surrogates tell us how much they appreciate this convenience.

Your base pay is one package, that is divided into pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy payments.

• Your pre-pregnancy payments total $4,000 and are made in three installments, which start the day after your medical work-up and continue until the embryo is transferred to you. We make these payments because we know that your time and effort start well before you are pregnant.
• During your pregnancy, you’ll receive 8 equal installments, which start after the second confirmation of the fetal heartbeat and are paid monthly. Your pregnancy payments are fully earned by 32 weeks of gestation. In addition to compensating you for your time and effort with a pregnancy, these payments are generous to cover those expenses that you decide on, based on what’s best for you and your family, such as maternity clothes, help with routine childcare and housekeeping, or over-the-counter vitamins.
• Post-pregnancy, we know you’ll need dedicated time and expenses for recovery. We acknowledge your investment with a post birth one-time payment of $3,000, and more based on your current wages, so you can have total peace of mind.
• Your pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy payments are, together, your base pay.

Depending on the circumstances of your pregnancy, you may earn more money in addition to your surrogate base compensation.

• Are multiple transfers required for a successful pregnancy? If so, you will earn an additional $2,000 for each transfer.
• Are multiple fertility medication cycles required for a successful embryo transfer? If so, you will earn an additional $1,000 for each cycle.
• Are other medical procedures necessary during your pregnancy or at birth? If so, you will earn additional payments including, for instance, $2,500 for a first-time Cesarean section.
• Are you willing to pump breast milk, post-pregnancy? If so, you will earn $350 per week, plus shipping and supplies.
• Is it necessary for you to be on bed rest? If so, there are generous provisions to allow you to fully replenish any lost wages and salary, and to provide for additional help with childcare and housekeeping.
• Is it necessary for your partner to take some time off of work to help you? If so, there are also provisions for your partner’s investment of time and effort in your surrogacy journey.

So, how much does a surrogate make... applied to you. Use our surrogacy pay calculator to get an estimate of your own base pay. And, start dreaming a bit about how that money can help you and your family while helping someone else build their family. From paying off debt, saving for your child/children’s education, buying a car, funding a down payment for a new home, creating a safety net for your family, the list goes on and on.

What is a surrogacy escrow?

A surrogacy escrow account is a financial account set up and fully funded at the beginning of your surrogacy journey. Learn more about whether you need a surrogacy escrow and how this type of account protects you.

Does a surrogate need her own insurance?

If you have insurance and surrogacy is covered, the intended parent(s) will pay any deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. If you do not have insurance or your health insurance does not cover surrogacy, the intended parent(s) will purchase a policy that will cover you for the entirety of your surrogacy journey.

Do surrogates have any out-of-pocket expenses?

No, your financial compensation takes into consideration what you will need for a surrogacy journey so you can apply it to your needs without having to submit receipts for reimbursement.

Do surrogates get paid if they do not get pregnant?

You will start receiving payments before you become pregnant. Those payments can include pre-pregnancy payments for completion of medical screening, beginning injectable fertility medication, and embryo transfer.

I know a woman who would be a great surrogate. Can I earn money by referring her as a surrogate?

Yes. For every woman you recommend to become a surrogate, you can earn up to $650. And your referred surrogate also earns rewards. The further she progresses in her journey, the more you both earn. And you can earn unlimited referral bonuses with your personalized referral link! Learn more about our surrogate referral program.

Do surrogates get paid to pump breast milk for intended parents?

Yes. You are compensated for pumping milk for your intended parents. Some intended parents want the surrogate to supply breastmilk for their child. If you agree, you will be compensated for pumping breastmilk. Learn more about the pros and cons of pumping breast milk as a surrogate.

Does a surrogate have to pump breast milk?

No. If the intended parent asks you to pump breast milk, you are able to decide what is best for you and your family. If you do decide you want to pump, you will be compensated.

How do surrogates handle questions about surrogate mother pay?

Every surrogate has different strategies for how she responds to people who ask her about how much she makes being a surrogate. Our monthly peer groups and private surrogate sisterhood Facebook group are great places to hear how others handle questions about surrogate compensation. You can also connect with others in the surrogacy community through The Surrogacy Learning Center. We also put together a blog post about surrogacy myths that may help others understand surrogacy more.

What are the dangers of women becoming a surrogate without the help of an agency?

There are many pitfalls you can experience with an independent surrogacy journey like misunderstandings about money, poor communication, and problems with legal or insurance matters. Many of these journeys, unfortunately, simply never start. With ConceiveAbilities, we take your physical and mental health seriously. Our careful, detailed review process ensures that, if we are confident you will be approved as a surrogate by an IVF clinic, you will feel confident through our entire surrogacy journey. Plus, we ensure you are fully protected financially and contractually and help you manage any concerns you encounter throughout the surrogacy process so that you can live your dream of helping another family.

Do surrogates get paid more for a sibling journey?

When you are matched for your surrogacy journey, you may agree to do a sibling journey. Repeat surrogates do earn more compensation because they are experienced. Learn more by reading our blog post about doing a repeat surrogate journey.

Is surrogate compensation taxable?

ConceiveAbilities does not issue 1099’s to surrogates. Please consult your tax professional.

Do surrogates have to report income to the IRS?

ConceiveAbilities does not issue 1099’s to surrogates. Please consult your tax professional.

Does ConceiveAbilities issue 1099's to surrogates for her surrogate compensation?

Please contact your tax professional, as ConceiveAbilities does not provide 1099’s to surrogates.

Do surrogates have to submit receipts for reimbursement?

No, our package makes it easy so you do not have to submit any receipts for reimbursement.

How much does the average surrogate get paid?

First time surrogates can make up to $72,000, depending on experience, location and other individual circumstances. Check out our surrogate pay calculator to find out more!

Do surrogates earn more based on where they live?

Yes, surrogates in high demand areas do earn more money. Use our surrogate pay calculator to find out your base pay.

Do surrogates have to pay for travel?

No. Any travel necessary is paid for by the Intended parents. It does not come out of your compensation package. You can choose to use a travel agent recommended by ConceiveAbilities or you can book your own travel based on your personal preference.

Can I become a surrogate if I have a full-time job?

Yes, many of our surrogates have a full time career. And, as part of our All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package, you will be compensated if you have any lost wages due to your surrogacy journey. Learn more about becoming a surrogate if you work full-time.