Living Donor Costs: What NLDAC Actually Covers (and How to Apply)
Money should never be the reason someone can't donate. The National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) exists specifically to reimburse the costs donation creates — here's what it actually pays for.
What NLDAC is
NLDAC is a federally supported program that reimburses eligible living organ donors for non-medical expenses connected to donation. It doesn't pay for the organ itself — that's illegal under federal law — it reimburses the costs of getting to, through, and home from the process.
What it covers
NLDAC can reimburse up to $6,000 total across three categories:
- Travel expenses — transportation, accommodations, and meals for the donor's evaluation, surgery, and follow-up visits, plus the same for one support person.
- Lost wages — income lost during evaluation appointments (up to 3 days), recovery (up to 4 weeks), and follow-up care (up to 2 weeks).
- Dependent care — up to $420 per week for a child or $504 per week for an adult dependent, during those same periods.
Travel assistance is limited to U.S. locations and territories.
Who's eligible
- Both the donor and the recipient must complete applications.
- Donors must be employed to receive wage reimbursement, with documentation (recent pay stubs or tax records).
- Applications must be approved before expenses are incurred — this isn't a reimbursement you can apply for after the fact.
- Starting September 1, eligibility criteria prioritize low- and moderate-income donors, and the recipient's household income is no longer considered.
How to apply
You do not have to hunt down the paperwork alone. Donors: join free and we help you complete the application. Recipients who need that coordination for a donor: the Full Navigator package includes it.
Next: Time off work to donate · Join as a donor — free
This is general information, not financial or legal advice, and program rules can change. Confirm current details with us before you make plans — do not treat this page as the application.