5 Things To Look For In Your Compensation Package.
(Surrogate Edition).

Who decides what the surrogacy base compensation amount is?
Base compensation is the large number that is meant to compensate you for the impact of the surrogacy. It is paid out over a period of time after confirmation of pregnancy through delivery. Some agencies choose this amount of compensation for you.

Heart to Hands believes that no one knows the right base compensation number for you except you! You will always be the one that decides what base compensation is right for you.

Besides the base compensation, what is included in the surrogacy compensation package?
In addition to the base compensation, there are additional benefits that make up the compensation package.

At Heart to Hands, you receive compensation benefits for:

• a monthly stipend or allowance for things like vitamins and supplements, gas for local appointments, and cycling or pregnancy related incidentals
• starting medications for cycle to become pregnant
• the embryo transfer
• maternity clothes
• a legal signing bonus when you and your Intended Parents sign the surrogacy legal agreement
• a housekeeping allowance
• a body care/doula allowance
• pumping Breastmilk

These situations aren’t typical, but if you experience any of these, there is additional compensation for the following:

• a mock cycle
• if the cycle is canceled before the transfer
• if you have to have an invasive procedure
• if you have to terminate a pregnancy
• if there is a c-section
• if you are carrying more than one baby

What happens if I miss work and lose pay because of the surrogacy?
You, and your support partner, should be compensated for lost wages, including any work missed for your screening, the transfer, appointments, labor and delivery, and post-partum. Additionally, you absolutely must be covered for lost wages if you are unable to work your job for a medical reason.

At Heart to Hands, the lost wages package specifically includes reimbursement of your lost wages for all surrogacy related appointments, any required travel, bedrest, labor and delivery, and the post partum period.

How long will I get lost wages after the delivery?
There is some variation on this among agencies, with some only offering lost wages for 3 or 4 weeks after delivery!

With Heart to Hands, you will receive lost wages for 6 weeks after a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks after a c-section. (If you return to work before that, you only receive lost wages for the time that you were actually out of work.)

Are there additional benefits that I will get for the surrogacy?
Yes, and you will want to compare these by agency since they vary.

With Heart to Hands, you can expect these additional benefits:

• Counseling Support, if wanted or needed
• 6 week Education Program to prepare you for the surrogacy
• Health Insurance, if yours is not surrogacy friendly
• An Accidental Death policy
• A term life insurance policy
• Loss of Reproductive Organs insurance
• Legal Representation (at no cost to you)
• Thoughtful and meaningful gifts throughout the surrogacy, relevant to the different stages you are experiencing

Bonus Question
Will I be taxed on my surrogacy compensation?
We can’t give any tax advice, and recommend that you speak with an accountant. We do not send you a 1099 or W-2.