I am on SSI and get $646 a month and live in the state of New York is it possible I can become a surrogate?
Reply by Rayven
Hi Anna,
While I applaud your willingness to help a couple start a family, based on the limited amount of information you have given me, I would say no, you are most likely not eligible to become a surrogate mother.
First, you are in New York. Surrogacy is not allowed in the state of New York, which means you would need to travel to a neighboring state (not NJ, also illegal) to deliver.
Second, you mention SSI. Why are you receiving Supplemental Security Income? If it is because you are disabled, or you age qualify, chances are that would put you out of the running to become a surrogate mother for health reasons.
And last, the income you mentioned. Are you living off of this $646 a month? If so, and if you are eligible/receiving other government aid such as Medicaid, then that also disqualifies you from becoming a surrogate mother.
A surrogate mother must not "need" the income she would receive for normal living expenses. She must have a stable source of income, living in a stable home, and preferable carry her own health insurance (NOT Medicaid - that's illegal).
You see, nothing is a guarantee in surrogacy. A potential surrogate mother could spend a year, maybe even two years helping a couple to walk away at the end never having gotten pregnant, and never being compensated a dime. If a woman is in a position where she is depending on the money surrogacy might bring, she could get into serious financial trouble by trying to help someone else start a family.
So based on this information, Anna, I'm going to say that surrogacy is probably not the best route for you at this time.
