About the Companion Card

In this guide, we explain the 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. 

The Companion Card is for people with disability who need support to go to events or activities.

For example, if you need support to:

• move around
• communicate. 

The Companion Card lets you bring a support person to some events or activities for free. 

Your support person could be a:

• family member
• friend
• support worker
• volunteer.  

A volunteer:

• works but doesn’t get paid
• does work that helps the community. 

You need to show your Companion Card when you buy a ticket for yourself. 

The card has your name and photo on it.

It is the same size as a bank card.

You can get a NSW Companion Card if your disability:

• will last your whole life
• affects the way you live your daily life.

You must also show that an aid or piece of equipment can’t give you the support you need. 

You must live in NSW to get a NSW 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. 

You might also be able to get a Companion Card if you take part in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS provides services and supports to some people with disability. 

You will still need to meet the rules about who can get a Companion Card. 

The Companion Card is not for people who want support:

• to be social
• to feel comfortable
• just in case. 

You can find out how to apply for a Companion Card on our website. 

You can find answers to questions people often ask about the Companion Card on our website. 

You can read all the rules about the Companion Card on our website.