After “what is surrogacy?”, the second most searched topic on Google is “Surrogacy compensation”. Let’s talk through all the ways surrogates are compensated and what to look for and avoid when choosing your Surrogate Benefit Package.

Surrogate Compensation Terms and Definitions

1. Surrogate Base Compensation – The total amount paid to the surrogate for carrying the pregnancy, which varies between $50,000 and $200,000 based on factors such as experience and location. The average first time compensation for a compensated surrogate in the U.S. in 2025 is $55,000 base compensation. Note: there are very few agencies that are able to offer high compensation amounts based on their parent populations. These agencies are also extremely selective about the surrogates they are able to partner with.

2. Surrogate Monthly Miscellaneous Expense – A ~$300 monthly stipend paid from legal signing through contract termination to cover minor pregnancy-related expenses. This allowance does not require receipts and is intended to be used for things like gas to OB appointments, prenatal vitamins and an occasional treat.

3. Twin/Triplet Compensation – An additional payment for twins and triplets to account for the increased demands of a multiple pregnancy. Twins average is an additional $6,000 and triplets is $12,000.

Bonus Payments

(These are guaranteed payments based on timed events)

1. Surrogate Bonus Fees – Various milestone-based payments, including: (average costs in U.S. noted)

   • $500 at the start of fertility medications

   • $1,500 on the day of embryo transfer

   • $4,000 upon completing psychological/medical screening and legal contracts

   • $1,000 for housekeeping support

   • $1,000 maternity allowance

   • $2500 Wellness package (prenatal massage, pelvic floor therapy, etc) *not all agencies provide these

Contingent Care

(These are paid only if specific care is required. U.S. average payments listed)

1. Invasive Procedures Compensation – Payments for required medical procedures including:

   • Dropped Cycle – $1,000 for a canceled cycle before embryo transfer.

   • Mock Cycle – $500 for a trial cycle before the actual procedure.

   • Amniocentesis – $1,000 for a prenatal diagnostic procedure.

   • Fetal Reduction/Termination/D&C/D&E – $2,500 for these procedures when medically necessary.

   • Hysteroscopy (Post-Screening) – $250 for a uterine evaluation.

   • Caesarian Section (C-Section) – $5,000 for a C-section delivery.

   • Loss of Ovary or Fallopian Tube – $2,500 compensation for reproductive organ loss.

   • Hysterectomy – $5,000 if a hysterectomy is required due to complications.

   • Bed Rest Compensation – $450 per week, plus lost wages if applicable.

Agency Policies & Additional Benefits

All agencies send the Intended Parent a set of agency policies, surrogate benefits package and all agreed upon decisions between Intended Parents and Surrogate. Here are some examples of policies and terms that need to be identified in your legal agreement.

1. Maternity Clothing Allowance – A stipend paid at 12 weeks gestation for maternity clothing.

2. Escrow Account Funding – Initial funding required from Intended Parents (IPs):

   • $125,000 for a singleton pregnancy

   • $175,000 for a twin pregnancy

   • Additional $25,000 for international Intended Parents

   • If the escrow balance falls below $20,000, IPs must replenish with an additional $10,000 within five business days.

3. Legal Signing Bonus – A $4,000 payment upon legal contract signing, refundable if the surrogate refuses to attempt at least one embryo transfer.

4. Psychological Records Policy – Psychological evaluations are shared only with the agency and IVF clinic, not the Intended Parents.

5. Lost Wages for Partner/Support Person – Up to 14 days of lost wages covered for the surrogate’s partner or support person to assist during pregnancy and birth.

6. Travel Expenses for Surrogate & Support Person – Costs covered for medical screening and embryo transfer travel, including:

• Up to $1,000 per diem for hotel, transportation, and meals (excluding airfare).

• Coverage of all costs for pumping and shipping breast milk, including supplies and $400 weekly compensation.

  7. Life Insurance Policy – A required policy with a minimum $500,000 benefit to the surrogate’s chosen beneficiary, with optional additional coverage for loss of reproductive organs.

  8. Compensation Vesting & Payment Schedule – The surrogate’s full compensation is vested at 30 weeks gestation and must be paid in full within 14 days of delivery.

  9. Payment Timeline – Surrogate compensation is paid in equal installments over 8 months following confirmation of fetal heartbeat.

  10.Bed Rest Policy – $450 per week for bed rest, plus additional lost wages if applicable.

  11. Psychological Counseling Coverage – Up to $3,000 in counseling services available at the surrogate’s discretion without prior approval.

  12. Lost Wages Compensation – Compensation for time off work due to surrogacy-related obligations, except where otherwise specified in the contract.

  13. Multiples Compensation Start Date – Additional compensation for multiple fetuses begins at 16 weeks gestation.

  14. Outside Monitoring for Distant Surrogates – If the surrogate lives more than 50 miles from the IVF clinic, she may use a local monitoring clinic approved by the agency.

  15. Holding Fee – If there is a delay of more than 60 days after contract signing for reasons beyond the surrogate’s control, the IPs must pay a $1,000 monthly holding fee.