First-time surrogates in Chicago earn $50,000–$65,000 base compensation plus monthly allowances. See full breakdown below.
| Base Compensation | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $57,000 – $83,000 |
| Base Compensation | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Monthly Allowance | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Maternity Clothing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lost Wages | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Potential | $67,000 – $98,000 |
18 fertility clinics within about 40 miles of Chicago run gestational carrier programs, out of 20 reporting to the CDC. Transfer and the monitoring around it happen at that clinic; the rest of your prenatal care stays with your own doctor, close to home.
Surrogacy law is set state by state, so what governs your agreement in Illinois is Illinois law — whether a compensated contract is enforceable, who pays for your own attorney, whether your medical decisions are protected, and how parentage is established.
Read the full Illinois surrogacy law section → It cites the statute directly, and says plainly where the law is unsettled rather than rounding to a clean answer.
Final eligibility is determined by the agency's medical team.
Complete application in 10–15 minutes. We share it with our agency partners and reach out if there's a good fit.
Physical exam, bloodwork, and uterine evaluation — paid for by the agency.
Review profiles and meet potential intended parents. You always have the right to say no.
Surrogacy agreement reviewed by your own attorney, funded by the agency.
Monthly compensation begins immediately after transfer. All medical costs covered.
Remaining compensation disbursed around delivery. Post-delivery allowances continue up to 6 weeks.
Yes. The Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act expressly permits reasonable compensation, requires it be held in escrow before any medical procedure, and usually allows parentage without any court case at all.
Typically yes. Most agencies require you to live in the area where you carry the pregnancy, as medical care and legal jurisdiction are location-specific.
Base compensation is generally taxable at the federal level. Expense reimbursements (travel, maternity clothes) are typically not taxable. Consult a tax professional for state-specific guidance.
18–24 months from application to delivery: matching (1–6 months), medical screening, legal review, and the full pregnancy term.
Also considering egg donation?
See Egg Donor Pay in Chicago →Complete our 10-minute application. We'll connect you with licensed agencies serving Chicago.