ARKANSAS (en español)
Last updated on February 20, 2018 by Matthew G. Kamine. (Please consider sending us a contribution at our office address specifically to help cover the administrative costs of updating this database – click here)
Please note that the information given here is intended as a general guideline. Please look into the specifics in your state to determine definitely if you qualify for one of the benefits listed here. Your living organ donor coordinator may be a good resource for such information.
Most benefits are available in the state where you live, but also check for potential benefits in the state where you are donating if you are donating outside the state where you live.
Please discuss with your organ recipient options that may be available through his or her insurance. Some private insurance companies offer transplant recipients travel and lodging benefits but do not care if recipients use that benefit themselves, or for a companion caregiver, or a donor.
There is one Federal program that provides money for travel and subsistence living for donors whose recipients can demonstrate need, please go to http://www.
All Federal Employees are eligible to take up to 30 days a year of paid leave for donating organs or seven days of paid leave for donating bone marrow. 5 U.S.C. § 6327.
Arkansas state employees and public school employees qualify for paid leave for up to 7 days for bone marrow donation and 30 days for solid organ donation. Ark. Code § 21-4-215. If you work for a local government, please ask your human resources official if a similar provision has been adopted at your level of government.
For changes in statutes and possible bills under consideration see http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2013/2014S2/Pages/Home.aspx. For executive orders, see http://governor.arkansas.gov/executive-orders.
Private employers in Arkansas are required to provide up to 90 days unpaid leave for employees who are absent for bone marrow or solid organ donation-related testing, donation, or recovery from donation as long as employees are not eligible for the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Sec. 11-3-205. Arkansas provides a tax credit of 25% of the wages for employers electing to pay the wages of an employee on organ donation leave. Ark. Code § 11-3-205.
In Arkansas donors may claim up to $10,000 in state income tax deductions for travel expenses, lodging expenses, medical expenses, and lost wages incurred in connection with organ donation. Ark. Code § 26-51-2103.
Check with the living organ donor coordinator and/or transplant social worker at the transplant center where you plan to donate for more information about local organizations that support living donors.
Private non-government groups
(Many of these groups are set up to help transplant recipients but will also help organ donors)
The Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) provides services and support for organ donors and recipients in various ways such as Donor Family Groups.
The “Other Living Donor Support Organizations” button on the right hand side of our home page lists some national organizations that may be of assistance.