9.2 How Escrow Is Funded — And What That Means for You

Before your surrogacy journey officially begins, one of the most important safeguards in place is making sure that your escrow account is properly funded. At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we take this process seriously—because your peace of mind, your security, and your compensation all depend on it.

Here’s what every surrogate mother should know about how escrow is funded and why it matters.

1. What Is Escrow, and How Does It Work?

Once you’ve been matched with your intended parents, they’re required to deposit money into a licensed third-party escrow account. This account is set up specifically for your journey. It covers:

• Your base compensation
• Monthly allowances and benefits
• Travel, child care, and other approved reimbursements
• Insurance costs and legal fees

The funds are not paid to you directly by the intended parents. Instead, they’re managed by the escrow company and distributed according to your signed legal agreement—so everything stays fair, transparent, and on schedule.

2. When Is Escrow Funded?

At GSHC, we make sure escrow is funded in stages that align with the key milestones in your journey. Here's what that typically looks like:

• The first deposit is made right after you’re officially matched—before medical screening. This makes sure early expenses like travel and testing are covered.
• The second, larger deposit comes after contracts are signed and before you begin medication. This secures your upcoming compensation and allowances.
• Additional deposits may be added later to keep the account at the right balance as your journey progresses.

We stay in close contact with the escrow company to make sure all deposits are made on time and in full. No major step—like starting meds or legal clearance—will happen unless everything is in place.

3. Minimum Balance Requirements for Protection

To avoid any payment gaps or uncertainty, we require that each escrow account keeps a minimum balance:

• $20,000 during pregnancy
• $10,000 after delivery, until all final bills and reimbursements are settled

This protects your compensation, covers any last-minute medical needs, and ensures a smooth close to your journey.

4. Why Escrow Funding Matters for Surrogates

When escrow is properly funded, it means:

• Your compensation is guaranteed
• Payments are made on time
• You’re not left covering expenses out of pocket
• You can focus on your health and the baby—without financial stress

No one should ever have to chase down a payment or worry about whether they’ll be reimbursed. With proper funding in place, you won’t have to.

5. GSHC Has Your Back

Even though the escrow account is managed by a third-party company, GSHC stays involved every step of the way. Our accounting and case management teams work with the intended parents, attorneys, and escrow officers to make sure:

• Deposits happen on schedule
• Balances are maintained
• Your journey never moves forward without full financial security

You’re doing something extraordinary—and our job is to make sure you’re never left unprotected while doing it.