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Applying for a Companion Card

1. Download the Cardholder Application form (Application form in PDF / Application form in an accessible Word document)
2. Fill out the form:
   • Complete Section 1 by filling out your personal details.
   • Take the form to a Health Professional or Service Provider so they can fill out Section 2.
   • Get two identical high-quality colour passport-sized photographs and attach them to Page 10 of the form with a paperclip.
3. Return your completed form with photographs by emailing wacompanioncard@nds.org.au or mailing the form to:
   Companion Card Applications
   Reply Paid 184
   Northbridge WA 6865
4. Please allow approximately 20 working days for processing (may increase during peak periods).
5. Applications will be assessed against the four eligibility criteria. The people involved in your application may be contacted for additional information.
6. If your application is successful, a Companion Card will be sent to you by post. If your application is not successful, you will receive a letter advising you of the outcome.

To be eligible for a Companion Card you must meet all the following four requirements:

• Be a permanent resident of Australia, residing in Western Australia;
• Demonstrate that you have a significant and permanent disability, which may include issues related to ageing and psychiatric illness;
• Demonstrate that, due to the impact of the disability, you would be unable to participate at most community activities without attendant care support; and
• Demonstrate that your need for this level of attendant care will be life-long.

Applications for children under five years old: A Companion Card can only be issued to a child where significant care attendant care support is required due to the impact of a child’s disability rather than age alone, and is significantly above the standard parental supervision requirements. The need for support must be lifelong or likely to be lifelong.

You can also take the Companion Card self-assessment to find out if you might be eligible to apply. This is a guide only and we encourage you to contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.

Contact details

Telephone: 1800 617 337
Email: wacompanioncard@nds.org.au