How the calculator works
The interactive calculator is coming to this page. Until it is live, this page shows the method it will use, so you can run the numbers yourself with a pen or a spreadsheet.
The calculator starts from your base compensation and adds each line of the Private Label Surrogacy package that applies to you. A typical first-time singleton journey adds up to a total package of roughly $68,000 to $78,000, built on $60,000 base compensation (proposed), or $65,000 to $70,000 base for an experienced surrogate.
It asks six questions:
- First or experienced journey? This sets your base.
- One baby or twins? Twins add the multiples fee and a larger clothing allowance.
- Do you work, and what is your net weekly pay? This sets your estimated lost wages.
- Do you plan to pump after delivery, and for how many weeks?
- How many months will your contract run? This sets the monthly allowance total.
- Vaginal birth or C-section? This changes the recovery period for lost wages.
What is included and what is excluded
Included, at the amounts in the PLS schedule:
- Base compensation: $60,000 first journey (proposed); $65,000 to $70,000 experienced.
- Monthly allowance: $300 per month of the contract.
- Medication start fee: $500. Transfer fee: $1,000 per transfer.
- Maternity clothing: $750, or $1,000 for multiples.
- Housekeeping: $90 per week from 32 weeks to delivery.
- Pumping: $200 per week, if you pump.
- Multiples fee: $5,000 for twins.
- Estimated lost wages, from your net weekly pay.
Excluded:
- The C-section fee. The amount is being confirmed with Nancy Block, RN, and will be added once confirmed.
- Reimbursements at actual cost, such as travel, childcare and copays. They repay what you spend, so they do not change what you take home.
- Insurance and services. Health coverage, nutrition consults and mental health support have real value but are not cash. The same applies to life insurance up to $750,000.
- Taxes. The calculator shows gross figures. See surrogate compensation and taxes and talk to a CPA.
Example: first-time surrogate, singleton, employed
This example is an illustration of the method, not a quote. It assumes a 14-month contract, one transfer, delivery at 40 weeks, no pumping, and net pay of $800 per week, with one week of work missed for screening and transfer and six weeks of recovery after a vaginal birth.
Example: experienced surrogate, twins, pumping eight weeks
This example is also an illustration. It assumes the low end of experienced base, a 12-month contract, one transfer, twins delivered at 36 weeks, pumping for eight weeks, and the same $800 net weekly pay with six weeks of recovery. A C-section fee would be added if the twins were delivered by cesarean.
| Line item | Example 1: first-time, singleton | Example 2: experienced, twins, pumping |
|---|---|---|
| Base compensation | $60,000 | $65,000 |
| Monthly allowance | $4,200 (14 months) | $3,600 (12 months) |
| Medication start fee | $500 | $500 |
| Transfer fee | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Maternity clothing | $750 | $1,000 |
| Multiples fee | None | $5,000 |
| Housekeeping | $720 (8 weeks) | $360 (4 weeks) |
| Pumping | None | $1,600 (8 weeks) |
| Estimated lost wages | $5,600 (7 weeks) | $4,800 (6 weeks) |
| Example total | $72,770 | $82,860 |
Example 1 lands inside the typical range. Example 2 sits above it, because twins, pumping and experienced base each add to the package. Change any assumption and the total moves. That is why the live calculator will show a low and a high case rather than one number.
Why your contract, not the calculator, controls
The calculator is an estimate. What you receive is set by your signed gestational carrier agreement and paid from an independent licensed escrow account that the intended parents fund before you start medications.
Three things can make your real figures differ from any estimate: the length of your contract, the lost wages you actually document, and anything your attorney negotiates on your behalf. Your own attorney, paid by the intended parents, reviews every line before you sign. Lost wages in particular are paid on records, not estimates; see surrogate lost wages.
Every line item is explained on benefits and allowances and the surrogate compensation page.
Next step: see if you qualify
The numbers only matter if you qualify. The prescreen checks the basics, including age 21 to 43, a BMI under 33, at least one healthy full-term pregnancy and currently parenting, a non-smoker, no government assistance, and US citizenship or permanent residency.
Start here: see if you qualify.
Sources
- Private Label Surrogacy compensation schedule, pending confirmation by Nancy Block, RN.