Am I Eligible?

This tool is a short series of questions which will help you to understand the eligibility criteria for Companion Card and how it applies to your situation.

The outcome presented using this tool is a guide only. Read the Eligibility Criteria and Companion Card handbook for information on the Companion Card program.

To commence, select the button I’d like to start or Exit to return to the Companion Card website. Please note that your responses are not saved as you move on to the next question. If you chose to exit the tool, you will need to restart the process of answering the short series of questions.

Question 1: Are you a permanent resident of NSW?

You may not be eligible

Only permanent residents of NSW are able to apply for a NSW Companion Card. If you reside in another State or Territory please contact the relevant State or Territory program.

For eligibility criteria click here

Question 2: Do you always need a carer with you so you can participate in community events and activities?

You may not be eligible

Companion Cards can only be issued to people who will always need high level attendant care support to enjoy the community. For example, some people need a carer because they are a child or because they need encouragement to go out. Others may need a carer for confidence. Unfortunately a card cannot be issued for these reasons.

For eligibility criteria click here

Question 3: Do you need your carer to primarily be an interpreter, or to give you encouragement and motivation, for access issues or in case something goes wrong?

You may not be eligible

Although these issues are the reason many people need someone with them, they are social support or access issues. Companion Cards can only be issued to people who will always need high level attendant care support to enjoy the community.

For eligibility criteria click here

Question 4: Does your carer help you with mobility, planning, self-care (feeding, toileting) communication or managing money?

You may not be eligible

If you don't require assistance with some of these tasks, you may not be eligible for a Companion Card. These attendant care tasks are what Companion Card was designed for.

For eligibility criteria click here

Question 5: Are there aids or devices that could help you be more independent?

You may not be eligible

If there are aids, equipment or assistive technologies that could assist you to independently access the community then you may not be eligible for a Companion Card.

For eligibility criteria click here

Question 6: Will you be able to access the community independently in the future as a result of time, therapy, medical intervention (treatment or surgery)?

You may not be eligible

If undergoing a rehabilitation program it may be best to wait until it can be demonstrated that your optimum recovery is complete before applying for a card. If a child's condition will improve and it is likely the child will not need high level care as an adult, then a Companion Card will not be issued.

For eligibility criteria click here

You may be eligible

Based on the responses provided, you may be eligible for a Companion Card. For more information on the Companion Card Program, read the Companion Card handbook.

Apply for a Companion Card

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Last updated: 24 Sep 2019