Am I eligible for a Companion Card?
To be eligible for a NSW Companion Card, you must:
- Be a person with significant and permanent disability; and
- Be unable to participate at most community activities without attendant care support due to the impact of your disability.
- This level of attendant care will be life-long; and
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and live in NSW.
Check our Eligibility Guidance Table for a list of accepted diagnosis.
File
Download Eligibility Guidance Table (PDF 57.72KB)Note: Eligibility for NDIS does not mean you meet the NSW Companion Card criteria.
Who can get a Companion Card?
The Companion Card is not issued to everyone who has a disability. The card is issued to people who can demonstrate that they can't participate at most venues and activities without a companion, and that this need is lifelong. A Companion Card cannot be issued if the applicant may become independent in the future as a result of treatment or management, training, recovery or developmental improvements. A Companion Card can only be issued when an ongoing need for a companion can be demonstrated.
What is attendant care support?
Attendant care includes significant assistance with mobility, communication, self-care or planning where the use of aids, equipment or alternative strategies does not enable the person to carry out tasks independently. Attendant care does not include providing reassurance or encouragement, nor can it be for infrequent or unexpected events or medical emergencies.
The Companion Card cannot be issued to people who only require attendant care for social support, reassurance, encouragement or just-in-case-type of scenarios.
Who is a companion?
A companion is a person who provides attendant care. This can be a partner, family member, friend, volunteer or paid carer.
The card and NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a disability support system for Australians. The NDIS helps people with disabilities live a good life.
Not everyone who receives NDIS funding is eligible for a Companion Card.
Only people who need a high level of support for the rest of their life are eligible for a Companion Card. Some people who get support from the NDIS may need a high level of support now, but may need less help in the future.
If you have an NDIS plan and would like to apply for a Companion Card you need to send us copies of reports about your disability, as this will help us assess your application.
In your application you can tell us about the help you need now, but also remember to tell us why you’ll need a high level of support for the rest of your life.