Australia - Apply for National Companion Card (for people with disabilities)

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Procedure

Apply In Person

1. To Apply for a National Companion Card (for people with disabilities), the applicant has to approach the Department of Social Serviceslink
2. An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer.
3. The applicant has to fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
4. The HR or personnel department will guide you through any forms or paperwork that need to be completed for your APS identification card.
5. Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
6. The applicant has to attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
7. Submit all the documents with the completed form to the concerned officer.
8. The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
9. After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
10. Then the application will be processed further. All the updates on the application status will be sent via SMS to the applicant’s mobile number.
11. Once the process is completed, the applicant gets a call from the office regarding the application.
12. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive your National Companion Card in the mail. This card typically includes your name, photo, and an expiration date.
13. This entire process can be completed within 20 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

NOTE:

1. When the applicant wishes to attend an event or venue that participates in the National Companion Card scheme, simply present the card when purchasing a ticket. The companion will be eligible for free or discounted entry or admission fees.

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Required Documents

• Application form
• ID proof (birth certificate, PAN card, Aadhar card, etc
• Address proof – (Driving license, passbook, utility bill, etc)
• Fee receipt
• Proof of your employment within the APS (e.g., employment offer or letter from your agency)
• Passport size photographs
• Any other documents (If required)

Office Locations & Contacts

Department of Social Services
71 Athllon Drive
Greenway ACT 2900
GPO Box 9820
Canberra ACT 2601
For International Callers: + 61 2 6146 0001
Email inquiries - [email protected]
Phone - 1300 653 227
Contact link

Eligibility

To be eligible for a National Companion Card in Australia, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a significant and permanent disability.
• Be unable to participate at most community venues or activities without significant attendant care support.

Fees

• The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

• This entire process can be completed within 20 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.gIn the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

Required Information

• Name
• Gender
• Age
• Residential Address
• Residential No
• Mobile No
• Email Address
• Educational Qualifications
• Work Experience
• Declaration
• Date
• Signature

Need for the Document

• The National Companion Card is a program that enables people with disabilities who require attendant care support to participate in community venues and activities without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion.

Information which might help

• For more information link

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

link

Others

The Card is accepted at a wide range of venues and activities across Australia, including:

• Cinemas
• Theaters
• Museums
• Art galleries
• Sporting events
• Concerts
• Festivals
• Public transport
• Tourist attractions