NEW JERSEY (en español)
Last updated on March 12, 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.
New Jersey has the New Jersey Family Leave Act. It is very similar to the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, with a
few exceptions:
-12 weeks of leave in a 24 month period, as opposed to 12 weeks of leave within 12 months for the Federal Act.
– The New Jersey Family Leave Act applies to companies with 50+ employers instead of 75+ for the Federal Act.
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/downloads/flafactsheet.pdf
Additionally, there is the Paid Family Medical Leave Act, which provides 2/3rds of wages up to $524 per week for up to 6 months. All other available sources of leave need to be exhausted before taking paid family leave.
Please note that the above paid family leave laws do not specifically mention living organ donors but may apply in your situation. Please check with your employer/HR department.
New Jersey has no donor tax deductions or tax credits.
For statutory updates, see http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ (lower left hand corner). To view potential legislative action, see http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/. For executive orders, see http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/circular/eoindex.htm.
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)
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s support group for transplant patients works to help patients through their recovery with professional medical support.
The Second Chance Heart Transplant Support Group, Inc. is a local support group that helps transplant patients through their recovery, as well as helping patients in need of financial aid.
The Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) – Philadelphia chapter, located in New Jersey, aims to help transplant patients cope with the challenges they face in the transplant process.
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.