Important Update – 1 July 2026
The SLOD Program information has been updated to provide clearer advice for donors and their support person. Please refer to the following parts of the Guidelines:
- Section 5 – Out-of-pocket expenses reimbursement over $500 – Australian donors
- Section 6 – Out-of-pocket expenses reimbursement – International donors.
About the program
The program provides financial support to eligible living donors of a kidney or partial liver.
We reimburse:
- up to 9 weeks (or 342 hours) of paid leave at the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or for extended medical leave due to medical complications, up to a maximum of 18 weeks (684 hours) at the NMW for Australian donors
- a lump sum payment of $500 to cover out-of-pocket costs for all Australian donors or
- up to $4000 for travel and accommodation out-of-pocket expenses (proof required for all expenses). This may include costs for a support person
- up to $4,000 for travel and accommodation costs for overseas donors donating to Australians with a valid Medicare card.
This includes for people who have had work-up testing but did not end up becoming a donor.
This program is not an incentive to donate, and meets the World Health Organization’s guiding principles on human cell, tissue and organ transplantation.
Read about:
Why it is important
Becoming a living organ donor means taking time off work and travelling for tests, surgery and recovery.
The Program helps cover these costs to avoid the potential financial stress this might cause living organ donors.
Who we work with
The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) leads the national program to increase and raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.
It also supports the Australian and New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange (ANZKX) Program. This is a partnership that increases the chances of finding a match for a kidney transplant.
Many Australian and New Zealand clinicians and transplant hospitals support the ANZKX Program, including the ANZKX team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Learn more
It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of being a living donor before you decide to be one. To find out more:
- talk to a medical professional, such as your general practitioner or a hospital transplant unit
- read Kidney Health Australia’s information on living kidney donation
- read our Program Guidelines.
Contact
Supporting Living Organ Donors Program contact
