Apply for a card

Starting your application

Not all people with disability are eligible for a Companion Card. Please check your eligibility before completing an application form.

To be eligible for the card, you must:

• be a lawful Australian resident, living in Queensland
• have a permanent disability
• because of the impact of the permanent disability, you need significant support from a companion to help you participate in most events and activities in the community
• your need for this support is likely to be lifelong.

The Companion Card is not income or asset tested.

The application form is available:

• as a downloadable PDF—Companion Card application form
• as a downloadable Word document—Companion Card application form
• or a hard copy form can be posted to you by request—email Companion Card or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
• The previous version of the Companion Card Application form will continue to be accepted in the interim as we transition to the new form.

Completing your form

• Complete section 1. Anyone can assist you to complete the form.
• Obtain 2 colour headshot photos of you against a plain background.
• Take the form to your health professional to complete and verify in Section 2. The Health Professional will need to:
  • verify that you are likely to require lifelong significant attendant care support to participate in events and activities by completing Items 5a-5d of the application
  • sign the application at Item 5e
  • sign the back of your photos (follow the instructions on the Companion Card Application Form).
• Sign section 3 or have your guardian/agent sign on your behalf.

Submitting your completed form

There are 3 ways you can submit your form:

Visit one of our Queensland Government Service Centres (QGSC):

• Brisbane QGSC
  Upper Plaza (access via the corner of George & Charlotte Streets)
  33 Charlotte Street
  BRISBANE  QLD  4000
• Cairns QGSC
  William McCormack Place Ground Floor
  5B Sheridan Street
  CAIRNS  QLD  4870
• Maroochydore QGSC
  Mike Ahern Centre
  Ground floor
  12 First Avenue
  MAROOCHYDORE  QLD  4558

OR

Email your completed application form as a PDF and a copy of the front and back of the verified photos as a JPEG to:

companioncard@smartservice.qld.gov.au

OR

Post your signed application form and photos to:

• Companion Card
  Smart Service Queensland
  Reply Paid 89109
  BRISBANE CITY QLD 4000

Unsuccessful applications

If your application is not successful, you may request a review of the decision.

You must make your request for review in writing. You may include any new information that clearly demonstrates that you meet the Companion Card criteria.

Progressing your Application

Once your application is received, an SMS will be sent to you or your authorised contact advising application received.

Your application will progress to be data-entered and assessed against the eligibility criteria. An application takes approximately 20 working days to be processed.

Incomplete or missing information on an application cannot be processed. The assessment team may request additional information if required.

On approval of your application, an email or SMS will be sent to you or your authorised contact advising application approved.

Further information

For more information about completing the form or about eligibility contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email Companion Card.