Are you selling plasma for cash? We want to hear your story.

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Some people are making up to $500 a month by donating their plasma twice a week — the maximum allowed by federal regulations.

With the rising costs of living in Mass., some are turning to selling their blood plasma as a solution. Are you one of them? (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

By Annie Jonas

April 17, 2026 | 4:12 PM

1 minute to read

In a time when many are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of living, some Massachusetts residents are turning to an unexpected solution: selling blood plasma.

It’s become a way to make quick cash to pay for necessities like rent, gas, groceries, and utilities. At donation centers across the state, individuals are visiting regularly, rolling up their sleeves to donate plasma and leave with a little extra money in their pockets.

According to GBH, some people are making up to $500 a month by donating their plasma twice a week — the maximum allowed by federal regulations.

However, the practice doesn’t come without its challenges. For some, there’s a stigma around selling plasma that makes telling others how they’re making ends meet uncomfortable. For others, the donation process itself can be somewhat unsettling (although it’s not generally considered painful).

Selling plasma for cash isn’t new. For decades, it has been a way for people to make a quick buck. But as inflation and prices continue to rise, many are turning to it on a more regular basis.

We want to know: Are you turning to plasma donations to help cover everyday expenses? How was your experience? Has it become a financial necessity, or an occasional way to make extra money?

Whether it’s a side hustle or something you’ve been doing to pay the bills, we want to hear from you.

Tell us by filling out the form or e-mailing us at [email protected], and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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