There’s no doubt that surrogate compensation can be a complex subject. This especially rings true if you are pursuing surrogacy for the first time. That’s why we’re here to answer your questions.

To get free surrogacy information now, you can always contact us online at any time. But, we’ve also put together this detailed guide that answers seven questions about surrogate compensation. These are some of the biggest questions about surrogacy, so you can use them to help determine whether this path is right for your situation.

Be sure to talk with the surrogacy professionals you’re considering to see what compensation rates they can offer you, too. Below, we’ll go in-depth on everything you need to know about surrogate compensation.

1. What Is Surrogate Income?                                                          

When you are first learning about surrogate compensation, you’ll need to learn about the surrogate income “meaning.” This can be confusing, but we’ll provide you with a basic “surrogate money definition.” This is money that a gestational surrogate receives for carrying the intended parents’ child. It is otherwise known as surrogate compensation.

Before you begin the surrogacy process, you and the intended parents will decide what your compensation rate will be throughout your experience. In most cases, you’ll receive these payments as installments once a month.  You can use this money toward accomplishing a long-term goal, such as buying a car or paying off your student loans.

2. How Are Surrogates Paid?

One of the most common questions that prospective surrogates have is “How do surrogates get paid, and how much?” Although we understand that you want to know exactly how much you will be paid, there is not a definitive answer to this question.

Your compensation rate will depend on several factors. These include the state you live in, your previous experience with surrogacy, the surrogacy professional you work with and more. In other words, you will need to speak with a surrogacy professional to determine what your compensation rate will be. From a general standpoint, though, the average pay for a surrogate in the U.S. is around $30,000.

If you are wondering, “How are surrogates compensated,” then be mindful that some surrogacy agencies inflate their compensation rates and try to mislead you. For instance, they may say they can pay you $60,000 or even $80,000, but this is likely too good to be true. That payment will decrease once you begin working with them. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print and consider all your options when choosing a surrogacy professional. Don’t look only at compensation rates, but consider the whole package offered to you.

3. When Do Surrogate Mothers Get Paid?

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will receive your surrogate compensations in installments on, typically, a monthly basis. The intended parents and your surrogacy professional will cover all pregnancy- and surrogacy-related expenses, but you will receive extra funds on top of having those costs covered.

You may be asking, “When does a surrogate mother get paid?” Ultimately, this depends on your surrogacy agency and their compensation schedule. As we mentioned, you will probably receive payment once a month, but it could be more or less often than that.

4. What Does Surrogate Compensation Include?

When you become a surrogate, there will be all kinds of pregnancy- and surrogacy-related expenses that arise. So, what does this mean? On top of the payment you’ll receive for being a surrogate, the intended parents and your surrogacy professional will also reimburse you for any expenses related to your surrogacy and pregnancy.

Because you are dedicating so much of your time and energy to this process, you should never have to bear the financial burden. You are doing more than enough by making this selfless, heroic choice. You are helping other people realize their lifelong dreams of parenthood, and that is beautiful. Still, though, how are surrogates compensated?

To give you a better grasp of what you’ll have covered, here is what you can receive payment for:

• Maternity clothes
• Childcare
• Lost wages from maternity leave
• Travel expenses
• Doctor’s appointments
• Medical procedures
• And more

These expenses are accounted for, so you will never need to pay out-of-pocket for costs like these during your surrogacy journey. Your surrogacy professional will connect you with a reputable surrogacy attorney, who will ensure that your expenses are handled in a fair, legal and ethical manner.

5. Do Surrogates Need to Pay Taxes on Their Income?

Now that you have a better understanding of the surrogate income “meaning,” you may be wondering how taxes factor into that. Surrogacy and taxes can be confusing alone, so combining them can be even trickier. But, in most cases, prospective surrogates do not need to pay taxes on surrogate compensation.

We should mention, though, that this is not always how it is. In some cases, you might have to pay taxes on your compensation. That’s why it is always best to contact the Internal Revenue Service or a tax attorney in your area. Also, don’t take any information in this article as legal or financial advice. Only a professional can truly answer your questions and address your concerns.

6. Can Surrogates Choose Altruistic Surrogacy?

Although you may be wondering, “How are surrogates paid,” you may also be interested in altruistic surrogacy. This is when your surrogacy is non-compensated, so you will not receive extra payments. You can always choose this option, and many prospective surrogates pursue this path, especially if they are carrying for a family member or friend.

In an altruistic surrogacy, the intended parents and your surrogacy professional will still pay for all your pregnancy- and surrogacy-related expenses. But, they will not grant you any extra compensation.

7. How Can I Start the Surrogacy Journey Today?

Now that you have a better grasp of a “surrogate money definition,” you could be wondering how to begin your surrogacy experience today. For starters, you can fill out our online contact form to get more surrogacy information now. We would love to help you out and get you started on your beautiful surrogacy journey. We look forward to hearing from you!