What is the difference between a traditional surrogate and a gestational carrier?

A traditional surrogate uses her own egg and is genetically related to the baby, while a gestational carrier carries an embryo created via IVF and has no genetic link to the child.

Will I be biologically related to the baby?

As a gestational surrogate, no. You won’t be biologically related to the baby. The embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, so you’re only carrying the pregnancy, not providing your own egg.

What happens after the baby is born?

After the baby is born, the baby is given to the intended parents right away. You’ll have time to recover and receive medical care, and the intended parents will begin caring for their newborn. Legal steps to confirm parentage are usually completed at or soon after birth, depending on the surrogacy agreement and state laws.

Can I be a surrogate more than once?

Yes, you can be a surrogate more than once if you’ve had a healthy pregnancy and recovery. Many surrogates choose to do it again after medical and emotional clearance. You will require a waiting period between pregnancies to ensure your health and well-being.

Do surrogates have to pay for anything out of pocket?

No, surrogates don’t pay for anything out of pocket. All medical, legal, and travel expenses related to the surrogacy are covered by the intended parents through the surrogacy agreement. You are never responsible for costs connected to the pregnancy or delivery.

Do surrogates have to pay for anything?

No, surrogates do not pay out of pocket. All medical, legal, and travel expenses are covered by the intended parents.

Can I be a surrogate more than once?

Yes, many surrogates complete multiple journeys as long as they meet medical and recovery requirements.

Become a Surrogate with
Giving Tree Surrogacy

Whether you’re exploring what being a surrogate involves, learning about qualifications and compensation, or simply feel inspired to help create a family, this is the perfect place to begin.

Become a Surrogate

What is a Surrogate Mother?

A surrogate is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents.

Through a structured and supportive surrogacy process, she helps intended parents grow their families, with no legal or parental rights to the child she delivers.

At Giving Tree Surrogacy, surrogates are supported, valued, and guided every step of the way as they make this incredible gift possible.

Learn more about being a surrogate, and what surrogacy is from our podcast episode, “What Is Gestational Surrogacy?”

Apply Now

The Top Reasons Women
Become Surrogates

01
At Giving Tree Surrogacy, we offer one of the most generous and thoughtful compensation packages in the field, with base compensation typically ranging from $50,000 to $90,000—and total packages reaching up to $115,000 for experienced surrogates.We understand that every surrogate’s journey is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to building your benefits package. From your location and level of experience to special milestones throughout your journey, we tailor your compensation to reflect the full value of your time, care, and commitment.You’ll also have access to generous bonuses, including our referral rewards, because we believe your impact should be honored in every possible way.
02
Your monthly base compensation typically begins once the baby’s heartbeat is confirmed, usually around weeks 6 to 8 of pregnancy. In addition to your base compensation, you’ll receive bonuses and allowances that may begin even before pregnancy—such as payments for medical screening, medication start, and embryo transfer.If you're carrying twins or more, an additional payment—called a multiples fee—is provided around week 20. All of these details will be reviewed with you during the screening process, so you’ll know exactly what to expect at every stage.
03
04

How to Become a Surrogate

Becoming a surrogate is both a personal and life-changing decision. We're here to guide you through every stage. Your journey will be supported by experienced professionals who understand the emotional and physical aspects of surrogacy.

01

Check Your Eligibility

Before becoming a surrogate, make sure you meet the basic requirements for being a surrogate. This first step confirms you’re ready to begin your journey as a gestational carrier and help intended parents build their family.

02

Submit Your Application

After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to complete your application. This allows our team to get to know you better and begin connecting you with the right intended parents for your surrogacy journey.

03

Pre-Screening Consultation

Once your application is received, you’ll be invited to a pre-screening consultation. This step helps us learn more about your background and ensures you’re fully prepared for the surrogacy journey ahead.

Learn How to Get Started

Surrogate Requirements: See If You Qualify

To become a surrogate, it’s important to meet specific requirements that ensure a healthy and positive experience for everyone involved. Our gestational carriers follow clear guidelines for health, lifestyle, and emotional readiness, helping create a safe and successful journey for both the intended parents and the baby. By maintaining high standards for those being a surrogate, we ensure every surrogate journey leads to the best possible outcome, a healthy, happy baby.

Check If You Qualify

U.S. Citizen or Resident

Legal residency or citizenship ensures proper medical care, legal protections, and insurance coverage throughout your journey.

Healthy Lifestyle

Non-smoker, drug-free lifestyle with healthy BMI. Good physical and mental health create the best environment for pregnancy.

Age 21–38

Within the optimal age range for safe pregnancy and delivery, based on medical guidelines and fertility clinic requirements.

Previous Healthy Pregnancy

At least one successful pregnancy and delivery with no major complications, proving your body can carry a child safely.

Being a surrogate requires you to be medically and mentally ready. You will be required to take IVF medications, and participate in exciting, emotional milestones. Your well-being is a priority for us.

Learn more about the medical and mental expectations of being a surrogate.

How Much Does a Surrogate Make?

First-time surrogates can earn up to $92,000, one of the highest compensation rates nationwide. Experienced surrogates can earn up to $115,000, recognizing their dedication and experience. Our clear payment structure includes upfront payments and secure third-party escrow management, ensuring every payment is protected, timely, and transparent, with no hidden requirements.

Up to

$115,000

For Experienced Surrogates

Up to

$92,000

For First-Time Surrogates

Up to

$4,000

In Bonuses Before Pregnancy Confirmation

Surrogacy is more than financial, it’s physical, emotional, and deeply personal. That’s why we provide non-monetary benefits to support you at every stage.

Explore Surrogate Pay and Bonuses

How long does the surrogate process take?

Every surrogacy journey includes key milestones designed to protect, guide, and celebrate you from start to finish. Here's what the process looks like from your first application to the incredible delivery day.

Discover the Full Surrogacy Process

Why Choose Giving Tree Surrogacy?

When you join Giving Tree, you’re joining more than a program—you’re joining a community.

Pre-screened Intended Parents: Every parent is vetted psychologically, legally, and financially to create a safe and supportive match.

Fast matching: With pre-approved parents waiting, your journey starts quickly.

Unmatched compensation: Up to $92,000 for first-time surrogates and $115,000 for experienced surrogates, plus sign-on and milestone bonuses.

Experienced guidance: Learn from former surrogates and specialists who’ve walked this path before.

Community and care: Emotional support, mentorship, and connection every step of the way.

Beyond financial rewards, the deeper fulfillment comes from knowing you’ve helped someone achieve their dream of parenthood.

Support and Community

You're never alone on this journey. From your dedicated coordinator to our surrogate network and mental health partners, we're here for you every step of the way. Support isn't just a promise, it's woven into everything we do.

Dedicated Team by Your Side

From application to delivery, our team ensures you’re never alone in the process.

Surrogacy Support Group

Join a community of surrogates and experts who provide guidance, advice, and emotional support.

Surrogacy Sister Program

Connect with a mentor surrogate who’s been in your shoes and can offer advice and encouragement.

Real Surrogate Stories

Giving Tree Surrogacy has been such a great journey very easy going from the start, I love how involved all the staff are and all the group chat gatherings with the gestational carriers.

— Bryanna, Surrogate

I am amazed at how much attention the surrogacy staff gives us surrogates! From the start of acquiring information Vivien makes sure all your questions are answered and assures you are taken care of.

— Ana, Surrogate

Read more surrogate success stories here

Explore Your Support System

Experience the Joy of Pregnancy

For many surrogates, the journey itself is incredibly meaningful. The chance to experience pregnancy again, to feel life growing and know it will bring happiness to others, is one of the most empowering and fulfilling experiences of all.

With Giving Tree, you’ll not only help create families—you’ll find purpose, connection, and joy in every step of the journey.

Online Application Here

Surrogate FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions about becoming a surrogate. For more details about being a surrogate mother, visit our surrogacy process FAQ's.

Begin your journey.
We’re here for you at every step.

Surrogate Application

Become a Surrogate with
Giving Tree Surrogacy

What is a Surrogate Mother?

The Top Reasons Women
Become Surrogates

How much do surrogates earn?

How and when is my compensation paid as a surrogate?

Who will be responsible for medical bills?

What if my insurance does not cover surrogacy?