A Step-by-Step Look at How Surrogates Are Paid — and When
Surrogacy is not only an act of incredible generosity but also a significant commitment of time, energy, and emotional labor. That’s why compensation for surrogates is handled with care, transparency, and structure — especially when facilitated by professional surrogacy agencies.
But how exactly are surrogate payments scheduled? When do payments begin? And who handles the money?
Let’s walk through how agencies typically manage surrogate payment timelines — and what you can expect at each step of the journey.
🧾 1. Establishing a Compensation Agreement
Before anything else, the surrogate’s compensation is formally outlined in a legal contract between the surrogate and the intended parents. This contract is reviewed with independent legal counsel (on both sides) and typically includes:
- Base compensation amount
- Payment schedule (monthly, milestone-based, or hybrid)
- Additional reimbursements (e.g., maternity clothing, travel, lost wages)
- Contingency payments (e.g., for carrying multiples, C-section, bed rest)
Most agencies use a standardized compensation structure that is customized to the surrogate’s experience and location.
💰 2. Trust Account or Escrow Set-Up
To protect all parties, many agencies require intended parents to fund an escrow or trust account early in the process — usually before any medical procedures begin. This third-party account ensures:
- Funds are securely held and released according to contract terms
- The surrogate is paid on time, without chasing payments
- Transparency for both the surrogate and intended parents
The agency (or its designated escrow manager) handles the payment logistics, often with monthly reporting.
📆 3. Pre-Pregnancy Payments
Even before a confirmed pregnancy, some payments are made, such as:
- Signing bonus or contract execution fee (in some agencies)
- Monthly allowance to cover minor expenses (starts once contract is signed)
- Start of medications fee (when fertility meds begin)
- Embryo transfer fee (typically a flat amount per transfer attempt)
These early payments acknowledge the time and effort already being invested.
🤰 4. Monthly Base Compensation (Once Pregnancy Is Confirmed)
Once a heartbeat is confirmed via ultrasound, the surrogate typically begins receiving her base compensation. This is often paid in monthly installments, continuing until delivery.
For example:
- Total base compensation: $45,000
- Paid in 10 equal installments during months 2–11 of pregnancy
- First payment starts after confirmation of heartbeat (around week 6–8)
Each monthly payment reflects the surrogate’s active role in carrying the pregnancy and adhering to medical and legal responsibilities.
✈️ 5. Reimbursements & Additional Payments
Throughout the journey, surrogates also receive reimbursements and bonuses for various items and milestones, including:
- Maternity clothes allowance (often around week 12)
- Travel expenses for clinic appointments
- Lost wages if the surrogate misses work due to surrogacy-related reasons
- Bed rest stipend or child care support if medically required
- C-section fee, multiples bonus, or invasive procedure allowance if applicable
Agencies carefully track and process these reimbursements, usually within 7–10 business days of submission.
👶 6. Final Payment After Delivery
The last base compensation installment typically comes within days to weeks of delivery, depending on the agency’s terms. Additional post-delivery expenses may include:
- Recovery support (e.g., post-partum care, counseling)
- Final travel reimbursement
- Any remaining milestone bonuses
The agency or escrow account finalizes the total and closes out the surrogate’s payment file.
🧑⚖️ 7. Full Transparency and Legal Oversight
All payments are managed under the terms of the gestational carrier agreement, a legally binding document. Most agencies offer:
- Access to a payment portal or regular account statements
- Dedicated escrow managers or surrogate coordinators to assist with questions
- Assurance that payments are never dependent on the surrogate’s relationship with the intended parents — everything follows the contract
✅ Final Thoughts: Why Agency Support Matters
A professional surrogacy agency ensures that payments are timely, fair, and stress-free for everyone involved. From setting up secure accounts to releasing funds at the right moments, agencies offer both structure and peace of mind — letting surrogates focus on what matters most: a healthy and meaningful journey.
If you’re considering surrogacy — as a carrier or an intended parent — be sure to work with an agency that offers transparent escrow management and clear compensation milestones. It’s one of the most important safeguards in the entire process.
