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Surrogate Compensation: Understanding Money-Related Terms
When beginning your surrogacy journey, it’s common for surrogates to have many questions when it comes to compensation and which benefits are covered in the contract. In this article, we will be breaking down the money-related terms you’ll see throughout your journey.
Lost Wages
During your surrogacy, both you and your partner are entitled to reimbursement for lost wages—the income you lose due to medical obligations throughout your journey. These benefits are available to you when you are unable to work, you are put on bed rest, and for up to 5 days (or 40 hours for partial days) during IVF.
GSHC will also cover a portion of lost wages up to 6 weeks after a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks after C-Section delivery. Your partner can receive a maximum of $1,500 in lost wages only during your transfer day and throughout your labor and delivery.
Before any lost wages are reimbursed, a surrogate must apply for unemployment benefits through the Employment Development Department (EDD). The EDD will pay out a portion of your hourly rate each week, and GSHC will cover the remainder to match the maximum benefits you can receive. For example, if you earn $500 a week, EDD generally pays around $300, and we will cover the remaining $200 to complete your full paycheck.
Many of our surrogates are unable to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are doing our best to keep up with the new normal, and we are currently in the process of reworking our policies to assist our surrogates as best we can.
Mileage & Travel Expenses
Mileage is covered for doctor visits, medical screenings, transfers, and any other surrogacy related appointments that are over 55 miles from your current residence. After 55 miles one way, GSHC Surrogacy will reimburse you $0.55 per mile.
We also offer full reimbursement for ground transportation, such as Uber or Lyft, overnight hotel stays up to $250 per night and an average of $45/day for a rental car. A meal per diem of $65/day is provided for long-distance or overnight travel.
Childcare
Our surrogates receive $100 for childcare, which is generally reserved for overnight stays, as in the case of delivery. All other childcare can be covered using the miscellaneous monthly allowance. However, if a surrogate is on best rest, she will receive an additional $50 per day so that her child(ren) will be taken care of while she’s unable.
Monthly Allowance
Our surrogates are offered an average of $300-$400/month depending on experience for miscellaneous expenses throughout their journey. The monthly allowance covers things like:
- Mileage less than 55 miles
- Childcare that is not overnight
- Parking costs
- Phone
- Prenatal Vitamins
- Over-The-Counter Medications
- Pregnancy Tests
Housekeeping
If a surrogate is placed on bed rest before the 28th week of her pregnancy, she will receive $50/week extra for housekeeping services. After the 28th week, the amount will move up to $80/week.
For an in-depth explanation of the many benefits our surrogates receive when you work with GSHC Agency, check out our article “Breaking Down Surrogate Pay & Compensation”.
Are you ready to begin your surrogacy journey? Complete our Surrogate Intake Form to get started.