Including 3 Top Tips to Become an Empowered Surrogate
The decision to become a Surrogate is an extremely noble one. Gestational Carriers will ultimately sacrifice their body, time, career, and lifestyle to help another family grow. By the end of the journey, the surrogate compensation amount should reflect the value of your Surrogate’s offering.
Fair surrogate compensation is not only for the benefit of the Gestational Carrier herself, who will cherish this experience for years to come, but also for the Intended Family. This mutual respect and recognition fosters a strong bond, trust, and open communication throughout the journey, necessary for a positive and fulfilling Surrogacy experience.
At NewGen, each member of our Surrogate Support Team is an experienced Surrogate. We know firsthand how feeling empowered redefines the pregnancy experience. That’s why in this article, we explore surrogate compensation and benefits so all potential Surrogates are well-informed before they finally take on pregnancy. Join us as we answer the age-old question for our new Surrogates: “what to expect when you’re expecting?”
How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid?
The answer to the question above, how much do Surrogates get paid?, is not as straightforward as one may assume and responses differ from one Gestational Carrier to another. Unsurprisingly, the primary reason for the variability in surrogate compensation is the unique nature of pregnancy journeys. Typically, a Surrogate’s Base Compensation ranges from $45,000 up to $100,000 or more.
NewGen Top Tip: When finalizing your Surrogate Base Compensation, consider how the amount is influenced by the Surrogate’s previous experience, geographical location, and any prior pregnancies with either successful outcomes or minor complications.
How are Surrogates paid?
At NewGen, we define Surrogate Base Compensation as the remuneration provided to Surrogates upon the completion of the Surrogacy process. Monthly payments, equivalent to 10% of the requested Base Compensation, commence on the first business day of the month following confirmation of pregnancy by fetal heartbeat.
The remaining balance will be disbursed within fourteen (14) days after the delivery of the Child/Children, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the signed legal agreement between the Gestational Carrier and the Intended Parent(s).
NewGen is proud to collaborate with Brian Klein of Klein Fertility Law so our Gestational Carriers can be assured that the relevant funds are held in a fully bonded escrow account. By utilizing an escrow system, surrogate compensation is not only guaranteed, but also paid out promptly and as stated within the agreed-upon timeline.
With the funds securely held in escrow, both the Surrogate and the Intended Family can have peace of mind, fostering a harmonious and stress-free journey focused on the shared goal of creating a family.
What Benefits Do Surrogates Receive?
Our Surrogates are entitled to a range of benefits that recognizes their invaluable contribution to their commitment to helping Intended Parents become the family they have always dreamed of. These benefits are designed to support and enhance the Surrogate’s overall experience, health and well-being throughout the journey.
NewGen Top Tip: For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned. We encourage all our Surrogates to keep their pay stubs and relevant documentation handy so they can be accurately reimbursed!
In addition to standard reimbursements, e.g. lost wages and travel, these benefits include:
- Third Trimester Pamper Package: Beginning at 28 weeks gestation, reimbursement for use towards housekeeping, doula, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and meal kit delivery services.
- Medical and Legal Clearance Bonuses: Compensation for the completion of the ‘Gestational Carrier Agreement’ and Medical Screenings.
- Monthly Stipend: Non-accountable allowance for minimal expected expenses, paid starting the first business day of every month.
- Start of Medication Fee, Embryo Transfer and Breast Milk Reimbursements: Compensations for pain, suffering, and inconvenience following the aforementioned procedures and practices.
- Additional Surrogate Compensation for Multiples: If a surrogate becomes pregnant with more than one fetus, she will be entitled to receive additional compensation.
- Therapy allowance: Non-accountable reimbursement for any pre or postpartum therapy.
While we encourage all Surrogates to be fully aware of the benefits they are entitled before their journey begins, we understand the uncertain nature of pregnancy journeys makes it challenging to predict what benefits you may be entitled to.
Accordingly, NewGen Surrogates are required to prepare a comprehensive Benefits Package as part of joining our esteemed agency. The primary objective of the package is to ensure a clear understanding of the entitlements available to Surrogates and how the agreed-upon surrogate compensation amount will be appropriately distributed.
This comprehensive package will be prominently featured within your Surrogate Profile, readily accessible for prospective Intended Parent(s) to review. It will play a crucial role throughout the Legal Process, ensuring a seamless and empowering journey for all involved.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Surrogate and Intended Family will finalize the surrogate compensation amount together. Our team at NewGen is available 24/7. In addition to ensuring fair surrogate compensation, we ensure our Gestational Carriers receive the emotional support and guidance they are entitled to.
If you are ready to embark on a remarkable and fulfilling journey as a Surrogate, we invite you to take the next step. Contact us today to learn more and start the process of becoming a valued member of the NewGen Surrogate Community. Together, we can create a positive and empowering experience for all involved.
