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Last updated on March 4, 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.
Iowa state employees are allowed up to 5 days paid leave for bone marrow donation and 30 days of paid leave for vascular organ donation. Iowa Code § 70A.39. 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.
Iowa living donors can deduct up to $10,000 from their state income tax for travel, lodging, and lost wages related to bone marrow, kidney, liver, lung, intestine or pancreas donation. Iowa Code § 422.7(44).
Please see https://www.legis.iowa.gov/ for statutory changes and possible legislation under consideration. For executive orders, see https://governor.iowa.gov/news/executive-orders/.
If you work for a private company, check with your employer about the possibility of employer sponsored donation related paid leave.
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)
Iowa Donor Network aims to help donors so they can better make a decision about donating.
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.