If you need significant help with mobility, communication or decision-making, you may be eligible for a Companion Card.
By removing the need to pay for a second ticket so that a companion can provide support, Companion Cards better enable people with disability to participate in their communities and the activities they enjoy. They also help ensure that disability support funding can be saved for other disability-related supports.
It's worth knowing that the NDIS and the Companion Card program are entirely separate schemes. Whether or not you have an NDIS plan has no bearing on your eligibility.
What is a Companion?
A companion is a person who provides attendant care to someone with a disability. They may be paid for this role (such as a support worker) or they may do this voluntarily (such as a partner, family member or friend).
Applying for a Companion Card
States and territories are responsible for issuing Companion Cards so the eligibility and application process may look a little different depending on where you live.
Typically, to be eligible you must:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Live in the state or territory that you're applying in.
- Have a permanent disability.
- Be unable to attend most community venues or activities without attendant care support.
- Need, or be likely to need, lifelong attendant care support.
Where to Find More Information
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | Companion Card has a helpful summary of websites to visit for more detailed information about eligibility, the application process and a search tool for where Companion Cards can be used:
- Australian Capital Territory - Phone: (02) 6205 4333
- New South Wales - Phone: 1800 893 044
- Northern Territory - Phone: (08) 8948 5400
- Queensland - Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
- South Australia - Phone: 1800 667 110
- Tasmania - Phone: 1800 009 501
- Victoria - Phone: 1800 650 611
- Western Australia - Phone: 1800 617 337
At Provider Choice, we envisage a world where everybody is able to participate in their community. Companion Cards combine state and territory programs to help make this possible.
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References:
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | Companion Card
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
