WISCONSIN (en español)
Last updated on April 26, 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 7 days of paid leave for donating bone marrow. 5 U.S.C. § 6327.
Wisconsin state employees are allowed up to 30 days paid leave per year to be a solid organ donor and up to 5 days paid leave to be a bone marrow donor. Wis. Stat. § 230.35(2d). 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.
Wisconsin organ donors or individuals whose dependents are organ donors can deduct up to $10,000 from their calculation of federal income taxes before calculating state taxes for travel, lodging, and lost wages related to bone marrow and solid organ donation. Wis. Stat. § 71.05(10)(i).
For statutory updates, see https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/prefaces/toc. For possible legislative action, see http://legis.wisconsin.gov/. For executive orders, see http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/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)
The Central Wisconsin Area Second Chance for Life support group is committed to supporting those on the transplant waiting list and those who have had transplants through its comfortable and sharing environment.
The Froedert Awaiting Kidney Support Group works to help patients and their families get through the transplant process and offers a variety of different events and meetings, as well.
The St. Luke’s Heart Transplant Support Group provides emotional, financial, and social support through having an environment where members share their personal experiences.
The Vernon Memorial Hospital Heart Center Support Group is open to everyone who has received a transplant or is on the transplant waiting list. They offer an environment in which members can express their feelings and experiences without being judged.
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.