How to apply for a Companion Card
An Easy Read guide about what you need to do to get a NSW Companion Card.
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In this guide, we explain how you can apply for a New South Wales (NSW) Companion Card.
A Companion Card lets some people with disability take a support worker to an event or activity for free.
Who can apply
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You can apply for a NSW Companion Card if your disability:
- will last your whole life
- affects the way you live your daily life.
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You will need reports from health professionals to apply.
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These reports must explain how you:
- need help from a support worker to take part in the community
- will need support for your whole life.
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These reports must also explain how an aid or piece of equipment can’t support what you need.
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You must live in NSW to apply for a Companion Card.
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You also must be:
- an Australian citizen – someone who is a member of a country by law
or - a permanent resident – someone who is allowed to live in Australia, but they are not a citizen.
How to apply
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You will need to fill out a form to apply for a NSW Companion Card.
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To fill out the form you will need:
- a photo of you – like a passport photo
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- copies of the reports that explain what supports you need.
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You will also need to ask a health professional or service provider to sign the form.
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After you have filled out the form, you can email it to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
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Or you can send the form in the mail.
Companion Card
Locked Bag 5000
Parramatta NSW 2124
After you apply
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NSW Government will look at your information to decide if you can get a NSW Companion Card.
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Sometimes we need more information about your disability.
We will contact the health professional or service provider who signed the form for you.
If you are approved
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If you are approved for a NSW Companion Card, we will send you:
- a letter
- your Companion Card.
If you are not approved
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If you are not approved for a NSW Companion Card, we will let you know by sending you a:
- letter
or - email.
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If you want to talk about the decision, you can call NSW Companion Card.
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You can also email NSW Companion Card.
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You can also ask someone at NSW Companion Card to check the decision.
They can check to see:
- how they made a decision
- if they need to change a decision.
Who can you contact for support
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You can find out more about Companion Cards on the Companion Cards FAQ page on our website.
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You can find NSW Companion Card contact information on the Contact us page on our website.