We invite you to reach out to California NuLife Surrogacy to discuss a Benefit Package that is customized to your experience and the specific details of your surrogacy arrangement. It is important to understand that the information provided here serves only as a general guide. This document is for informational purposes only and is not a legally binding agreement. The official and enforceable terms, including all financial responsibilities of the intended parents towards surrogate's compensation, reimbursements, and medical and legal expenses, will be detailed in the Gestational Surrogacy Contract. Please note that all initial agreements are flexible and subject to refinement based on the definitive contract established with the intended parents. Our aim is to craft a compensation package that provides comprehensive support for you throughout the surrogacy journey.

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Gestational Carrier/Surrogate Benefit Package​

 

Base Compensation — First-Time Surrogates (National & California Breakdown)

• National standard range: $50,000 – $65,000, determined by each surrogate’s region and obstetric history.

• California–Specific Tiers

  • Northern California (Bakersfield & north)

    • Starts at $60,000 when prior pregnancies were complication-free and no waivers are required.

  • Southern California (south of Bakersfield, excluding Bakersfield)

    • Starts at $65,000 under the same “excellent history / no-waiver” conditions, reflecting the lower Anthem HMO premiums and co-pays in this region.

  • Waiver required (minor issues)

    • Starts at $55,000 when a waiver is needed for prior pregnancy complications, general health considerations, or social-history factors.

  • Significant but clinically manageable complications

    • If the provider determines the risks can be effectively managed, the surrogate may still be accepted with a reduced starting compensation of $50,000.

  • Twin-pregnancy premium: + $15,000 (added once fetal heartbeat(s) confirmed).

  • Repeat-surrogate bonus: + $10,000 – $35,000, depending on past surrogacy performance and any waiver items.

  • Surrogacy-friendly insurance stipend: + $3,000 – $5,000, based on the policy’s out-of-pocket maximum.

  • Full-term bonus

    • Singleton carried to 38 weeks: + $1,000

    • Twins carried to 36 weeks: + $3,000

    • Twins carried to 37 weeks: + $4,000

    • Twins carried to 38 weeks: + $5,000

 

Up-Front & Procedural Payments

• Expedited sign-on bonus: $1,000~2,000 (released upon legal clearance).

• Legal clearance fee: $500 (paid at the same time to the surrogate).

• Medication-start fee: $500 – $1,000 (payable on the first day of cycle meds).

• Embryo transfer fee: $750 – $1,000 per transfer, paid within 10 days; covers childcare and housekeeping for the 48-hour post-transfer rest period.

  • Lost wages and meal allowances for transfer days are billed separately.

 

Monthly & Ongoing Allowances

• Monthly stipend (singleton pregnancy): $300 – $400, beginning with med start and continuing through delivery.

  • Add $100/month for a twin pregnancy.

  • Covers parking, phone/Internet, notary/postage, everyday meals, local travel (< 50 mi round trip), non-prescription vitamins, and routine IVF/OB lost wages within the county of residence.

• Maternity-clothing allowance: $500 – $800 (one-time, typically at 16 weeks of gestation).

• Pregnancy wellness program: $500 for acupuncture, prenatal massage, nutrition counseling, and prenatal vitamins (usually 26 weeks).

• Housekeeping support: $1,000 – $2,000 for late-pregnancy assistance (often released around 31 - 32 weeks or when medically advised).

• Bed-rest allowance: $300 – $400 per week when physician-ordered; intended to offset added childcare, housekeeping, and incidental costs.

 

Special & Contingent Fees

• Invasive procedures: $500 – $10,000 depending on the procedure (e.g. D&C, C-section).

• Breast-milk pumping: $350 per week post-delivery (includes supplies and shipping to Intended Parents).

 

Covered Benefits

• All medical and life insurance premiums and claims related to the surrogacy.

• Lost wages beyond routine appointments (e.g., doctor-ordered work restrictions, hospitalization).

• Travel reimbursements for long-distance requirements (flights, Uber, ground transport, hotels, meals, parking, tolls) for screenings, transfer, and specialty OB visits.

• Legal fees for the surrogate’s attorney in both the contract-drafting phase and the parentage judgment phase.