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
- up to $1,000 for travel and accommodation out-of-pocket expenses.
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.
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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.