How to apply for a Companion Card
An Easy Read guide about what you need to do to get a NSW Companion Card.
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
You can apply for a NSW Companion Card if your disability:
- will last your whole life
- affects the way you live your daily life.
You will need reports from health professionals to apply.
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.
These reports must also explain how an aid or piece of equipment can’t support what you need.
You must live in NSW to apply for a Companion Card.
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
You will need to fill out a form to apply for a NSW Companion Card.
To fill out the form you will need:
- a photo of you – like a passport photo
- copies of the reports that explain what supports you need.
You will also need to ask a health professional or service provider to sign the form.
After you have filled out the form, you can email it to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
Or you can send the form in the mail.
Companion Card
Locked Bag 5000
Parramatta NSW 2124
After you apply
NSW Government will look at your information to decide if you can get a NSW Companion Card.
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
If you are approved for a NSW Companion Card, we will send you:
- a letter
- your Companion Card.
If you are not approved
If you are not approved for a NSW Companion Card, we will let you know by sending you a:
- letter
or - email.
If you want to talk about the decision, you can call NSW Companion Card.
You can also email NSW Companion Card.
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
You can find out more about Companion Cards on the Companion Cards FAQ page on our website.
You can find NSW Companion Card contact information on the Contact us page on our website.