Transplant Australia welcomes the Federal Government decision to update the reimbursements available to living donors in Australia.
We are committed to working with the Commonwealth Government and the Organ & Tissue Authority to increase living donation rates and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages should ensure there is no adverse financial barrier to donation.
The Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care has released updated resources and guidance for potential living organ donors, including comprehensive information about the Supporting Living Organ Donors Program (SLOD).
These materials are designed for people intending to donate a kidney or part of their liver and include detailed guidance for potential donors and their employers on how to claim support and what to include in applications.
The Program helps potential living organ donors by reimbursing some of their:
- Paid leave for donation (for full-time, part-time and casual employees)
- Lost income for self-employed potential donors
- Travel and accommodation expenses, either through a lump-sum $500 payment or reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs up to $4,000
Importantly, the Program also provides support for potential donors who do not proceed to surgery.
The updated resources include practical tools, trackers and worksheets to help potential donors plan, record expenses, and manage their leave throughout the donation process. These new tools make it easier to understand entitlements and prepare for every step of the journey.
“Living organ donors make a life-changing contribution to others. These new resources are a practical step forward in ensuring potential donors are supported every step of the way,” said Chris Thomas, CEO of Transplant Australia.
From 1 July 2025, the Supporting Living Organ Donors Program has been updated to provide increased reimbursement for paid leave and out-of-pocket travel and accommodation costs.
If you are having donation surgery on or after 1 July 2025, you may be eligible for greater support, including:
- Up to 18 weeks of paid leave, reimbursed at the national minimum wage (proof required)
- A $500 one-off payment to help with out-of-pocket costs
- Up to $4,000 for travel and accommodation expenses (proof required for all expenses if claiming more than $500)
- Support person travel and accommodation costs, included in the $4,000 total
- Overseas donors’ travel and accommodation costs, up to $4,000 total
Please refer to the updated Program Guidelines for further details on eligibility.
What else you should know:
- If your donation surgery is after 1 July 2025, you can claim leave and out-of-pocket costs for work-up appointments held before 1 July 2025.
- If you undergo work-up testing but do not proceed to donation, you can claim leave and out-of-pocket costs for work-up appointments from 1 July 2025 onwards under the new criteria. Work-up appointments before that date follow the current criteria.
The program is not considered an incentive to donate and aligns with the World Health Organization’s guiding principles on human cell, tissue and organ transplantation.
“Becoming a living organ donor is one of the most selfless and impactful decisions a person can make,” said Chris Thomas, CEO of Transplant Australia. “It often involves taking significant time off work, travelling for tests and surgery, and managing recovery — all of which can create financial pressure. That’s why this program is so vital. It ensures potential donors are not left out of pocket and that financial concerns are never a barrier to saving a life.”
“Transplant Australia has long advocated for stronger recognition and practical support for living donors. The updated program represents an important step in valuing their contribution, and we will continue to work closely with government and the community to ensure potential donors receive the support they need.”
Alongside these government resources, Transplant Australia celebrates and supports the incredible generosity of living donors. Through our Living Donor Stories, you can watch inspiring videos of people who have given the gift of life through living kidney donation. Along with the advice and education from transplant units, these stories can help patients waiting for a transplant and potential living donors to make an informed decision about living donation.
Learn more about the Government’s Supporting Living Organ Donors Program visit:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/supporting-living-organ-donors-program
Watch Transplant Australia’s Living Donor Stories:
https://transplant.org.au/living-kidney-home/
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