What are Companion Cards?

A Companion Card is a program across Australian states and territories that allows a person with disability who requires attendant care support to attend venues, events or activities with a companion (support person, carer, friend) without paying for a second ticket.

The scheme aims to alleviate financial barriers and increase community participation and inclusivity for individuals with significant support needs.

How the Companion Card Relates to the NDIS

• The Companion Card is not part of the NDIS. The NDIS is a funding and support scheme, whereas the Companion Card is a separate accessibility and participation program.

• Having NDIS funding or being an NDIS participant does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a Companion Card.

• However, the Companion Card can work alongside an NDIS plan: while the card helps waive a companion’s entry cost, your NDIS plan may still fund the hours or support of the companion (if it is part of your supports).

So, if you have a Companion Card, it doesn’t replace your NDIS supports. It’s an additional tool to reduce extra costs when accessing community life.

Eligibility Criteria

Because the Companion Card scheme is administered at a state and territory level, the specific rules differ slightly.

Here are the usual requirements and criteria:

• You must reside in the state/territory where you apply, and usually be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

• You must have a significant and permanent disability

• You must require ongoing/lifelong attendant care support to participate in most community venues/activities

• The care must be “significant assistance with mobility, communication, self-care or planning”

Each state often provides an eligibility guidance table to help participants, so always check your state’s Companion Card program for application criteria.

If you are from Tasmania, information can be found here: https://www.companioncard.tas.gov.au/

How to Apply and Use the Companion Card

While details vary state by state, the general steps require you to complete an application form with supporting documentation. After you submit your application, processing time can vary, but it is often a few weeks. You’ll be notified whether your application was successful, and if so, receive the physical Companion Card. It is often valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

Using Your Companion Card

When attending an event or venue, present your Companion Card when booking or at the point of sale. The venue must be an affiliate of the Companion Card program (i.e. they accept the card). The companion ticket is provided free or at a waived cost when accompanying you.

Because the Companion Card is affiliated and not enforced by all venues, we recommend checking in advance whether it is accepted. Many venues will display the Companion Card logo or list that they are an affiliate.

As is expected, the cardholder’s support needs must still be met by the companion during the activity.

The Companion Card is a powerful tool in Australia for people with disability who require support to engage in community life. While it is not part of the NDIS, it complements your supports by easing the cost barrier of including a companion in social, cultural, or recreational activities. For NDIS participants, it’s worth exploring whether you meet the eligibility criteria and applying; it can open doors (sometimes literally) to fuller participation in the things you enjoy.