Yes, surrogates are typically paid monthly, but the payments don’t begin right away. Monthly compensation usually starts after the pregnancy is confirmed through a fetal heartbeat, often around the sixth to eighth week of gestation.
This marks the beginning of what’s called base compensation.
However, payments can begin even earlier in the form of reimbursements for medical screening, travel, or legal fees.
Likewise, payments may continue after birth to support postpartum recovery.
At SurrogateFirst, we ensure that surrogates receive timely, transparent, and consistent payments every step of the way.
How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid Monthly?
The monthly payments a surrogate receives are drawn from her total base compensation. This amount is typically divided into equal monthly installments across the confirmed pregnancy timeline. For most surrogates, this can range from $4,000 to $6,000 per month, though the exact figure depends on factors like experience, location, and the number of embryos transferred.
In addition to base pay, surrogates may receive a one-time maternity clothing allowance, usually between weeks 12 and 16 of the pregnancy. Other reimbursements may include transportation costs, childcare support for appointments, and prenatal vitamins or supplements.
Surrogates in certain states, like California, or those who have previously completed a successful surrogacy journey may qualify for higher compensation.
Want to calculate your estimated earnings?
Use our Surrogate Compensation Calculator
Also check: How Much Is a Surrogate Compensated?
What Is Base Compensation?
Base compensation is the agreed-upon amount a surrogate earns for carrying a pregnancy. It is considered the core financial reward for her role and is typically distributed in monthly payments after the pregnancy is confirmed. The amount is established during the contract phase and is influenced by location, experience, and whether the pregnancy involves twins or higher-order multiples.
Base compensation does not include other benefits like reimbursement for expenses, maternity wear, or bonuses. Those are added on top of the base amount. At SurrogateFirst, base compensation is always clearly defined and customized to reflect your unique circumstances.
Payments Before Pregnancy
Even before the embryo transfer and confirmed pregnancy, surrogates may receive compensation or reimbursements for certain out-of-pocket expenses. These include:
- Medical screening and labs
- Travel and lodging for appointments
- Childcare costs if applicable
- Lost wages for missed work during appointments
- Mock cycle compensation, if your clinic requires one
These are generally reimbursed promptly and do not come out of your base compensation.
Payments During Pregnancy
Once the pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound and fetal heartbeat, the monthly base compensation begins. During the pregnancy, you may also receive:
- A maternity clothing allowance, often issued in the second trimester
- Additional pay if carrying twins or triplets
- Compensation for invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or C-sections
- Mental health support or wellness-related reimbursements if covered in the agreement
Monthly payments will continue until delivery and are meant to ease the financial burden while you’re dedicating your time and body to growing a family.
Post-Pregnancy Compensation
After delivery, you may still be entitled to compensation for several important aspects of your recovery. This may include:
- Payment for postnatal medical visits
- Recovery time wages, particularly for surrogates who had a C-section
- Compensation for pumping breast milk, if you choose to do so for the intended parents
- Reimbursement for counseling or therapy support
- Final payment or delivery bonus depending on the contract
Your journey doesn’t end at delivery, and neither should your financial support. We make sure you’re cared for through postpartum healing too.
Additional Compensation (Special Cases)
Beyond standard base pay and routine reimbursements, there are several other forms of compensation that might apply, such as:
- A bonus for embryo transfer
- Repeat surrogate bonus
- Reimbursement for insurance co-pays
- Bed rest compensation if medically ordered
- Fees for lost wages for your partner, if applicable
Every surrogacy journey is different, and your contract should reflect your individual needs and contributions.
Surrogacy Payment Schedule Overview
Each surrogate’s payment timeline is outlined in the legal agreement before the journey begins, but here’s a general overview of how it works:
- Pre-pregnancy: Reimbursements for medical screening, travel, legal fees, and mock cycle (if needed)
- Post-heartbeat confirmation: Monthly base compensation begins
- Second trimester: One-time maternity clothing allowance
- Delivery and postpartum: Final installment of base pay, plus any recovery or additional postpartum reimbursements
Everything is laid out clearly so you’re never left guessing when your next payment will come.
Ready to see your estimated earnings? Try our Surrogate Compensation Calculator
Start Your Journey with Confidence
Becoming a surrogate isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your compensation shouldn’t be either. At SurrogateFirst, we believe in putting the power in your hands. That’s why we offer a “Build Your Own Package” approach where you set your base pay, select your benefits, and define your own terms.
With our easy-to-use Surrogacy Compensation Calculator, you can customize a package that aligns with your needs, your values, and your worth.
Your journey is personal. Your compensation should be too.Ready to begin your journey with us? Apply to Become a Surrogate Today.
