A Companion Card is a national program in Australia that is administered by the state or territory you live in. The card promotes the rights of people with disabilities, who require a companion, to fair ticketing at events and venues.

If you require ongoing “attendant care support” due to a disability, the Companion Card offers assistance for participating in community activities and attending venues. This card helps cover the expenses of going out with the aid of a companion.

It is designed to eliminate the cost of a companion ticket for eligible card holders. This means you can enjoy movies, concerts, sporting events, and other activities with the support person you need, without worrying about paying double the price.

With a Companion Card, holders are entitled to receive a complimentary ‘companion’ ticket at participating venues and for public transport, with exemption from booking fees. The card is issued under the name of the individual with a disability and usually remains valid for a duration of 5 years.

A companion refers to anyone providing attendant care support to the cardholder, whether paid or unpaid, including family members, friends, partners, or hired assistants.

Although it’s a national program, states and territories are responsible for issuing Companion Cards. We have provided links to each state and territory website below, and it should be noted that the application process can vary slightly from state to state.

To be eligible for a companion card in any state in Australia, you must:

• Be a permanent Australian citizen or resident, and choose the state you live in when filling out an application
• Demonstrate that you have a significant and permanent disability that requires a high level of ongoing support to participate in community activities
• Demonstrate that, due to the impact of the disability, you would be unable to participate at most community activities without attendant care support
• Demonstrate that the need for this level of attendant care will be lifelong.

It should be noted that people on NDIS plans are not automatically eligible for a Companion Card as it is not automatically isssued to every person who has a disability.

You may be eligible for the card if you need significant help with any of the following (but not limited to):

• mobility
• communication
• decision-making.

To obtain a companion card, you or your healthcare or support provider must complete an application form and confirm your eligibility through one of the following methods:

• Providing your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) or your Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Vendor Number if you receive a carer payment or allowance
• Having a medical professional verify your eligibility.

It’s quite simple really. If you have applied for and received a companion card because you were found eligible for one, then you can use the companion card to buy a ticket for a select events that you may be attending, then bring in your care attendant to participate for free.

There are lots of venues and events that will allow you to use your Companion Card, including:

• Cinemas, Sporting events, Museums, Art Galleries and concerts
• Each of the states government programs listed below provide a complete list of venues for that state on their website.

The Companion Card program is voluntary and managed by individual states and territories. If you’d like to apply for a card of your own, click on the link below that best suits you.

• South Australia – https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/disability/companion-card/apply-for-a-companion-card
• Northern Territory – https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/disability-services/nt-companion-card
• Tasmania – https://www.companioncard.tas.gov.au/how_do_i_apply_for_a_card
• Victoria – https://www.companioncard.vic.gov.au/how-apply
• Queensland – https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card/apply-companion-card
• New South Wales – https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-companion-card
• Australian Capital Territory – https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/companion_card/for_cardholders/how_to_apply
• Western Australia – https://www.wacompanioncard.org.au/apply-now/

A companion card is valid for either one or five years, depending on the specific situation of the applicant. A companion card also takes about four to six weeks to process, so don’t worry if it feels like it’s taking a while.

If you’re ready to apply for a companion card, click on the link that is most suitable to you, and start taking advantage of this government program today!

What are the benefits of the Companion Card:

• Increased social inclusion and participation in community activities
• Reduced financial barriers to attending events and venues
• Greater independence and autonomy
• Improved emotional well-being

If you qualify for the Companion Card and require support to participate in community activities, a Help at Hand Support worker can be your companion!

Help at Hand Support is committed to helping you live a fulfilling life. If you have any questions about the Companion Card or how we can support you, please don’t hesitate to contact us!