uTransplant is not a transplant center and never buys, sells, or brokers organs. Read our Trust & Safety commitments →

Time Off Work to Donate a Kidney or Liver

You cannot be paid for the organ. You can plan time off, and eligible living donors may be reimbursed for lost wages through NLDAC — up to $6,000 across travel, wages, and dependent care.

How much time people usually need

Evaluation is often a few days on site, sometimes split across trips. Recovery after kidney donation is commonly on the order of weeks before desk work, longer for heavy lifting. Liver-portion recovery can run longer. Your surgeon and employer set the real dates — not this page.

Lost wages vs being paid for an organ

Federal law forbids paying someone for an organ. NLDAC is a federally supported program that can reimburse eligible living donors for documented lost wages (and travel, and dependent care) tied to donation. It is not a salary from uTransplant. Applications have rules, including timing — this is not something to file after the fact if the program requires approval first.

We help with the paperwork. We do not replace the program.

Donors join here for free; we help you complete the application. Recipients who need that coordination for a donor order the Full Navigator package after coverage.

Donors never pay to join. Join as a donor — free. Recipients who need paperwork coordination: Full Navigator. Questions-only session: Review after coverage.

Next: Join as a donor — free · What NLDAC covers


This is general information, not employment, financial, or medical advice. Confirm leave with your employer and current NLDAC rules with us before you make plans.