Everything you need to know about the Companion Card

Everything you need to know about the Companion Card

Purpose of the Companion Card

Regardless of your disability, it’s important that you can engage in social outings and activities with confidence. Sometimes, to do this you need a support worker to accompany you. The Companion Card was introduced by the Australian Government to make it easier for people with a disability to attend entertainment and sporting events in Australia.

What is a Companion Card?

A Companion Card allows people with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care support to attend many venues and activities without worrying about the cost of a support worker’s ticket or access. It’s a scheme that puts art galleries, museums, exhibitions, and sporting events within reach of more people.

If you have a disability and a lifelong need for ‘attendant care support’ to participate in community activities and attend venues, the Companion Card can help you with the costs of getting out and about with the support of a companion.

Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion’ ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. The ‘companion’ ticket is also exempt from booking fees.

The Companion Card is held by the person with disability. It has your name and photo on it and when the holder buys a ticket at selected venues, a companion gets admitted free of charge.

Does the Companion Card fall under the NDIS?

The NDIS is a separate scheme to the Companion Card program. Separate eligibility criteria and application processes apply.

People who receive funded supports, payments or pensions such as an NDIS package may also apply for a Companion Card. Being eligible for the NDIS does not guarantee eligibility for a Companion Card and an application must be completed to determine eligibility.  

Who qualifies for a companion card?

To be eligible for a companion card, you must be a permanent Australian resident, demonstrate that you have a significant permanent disability that requires lifelong attendant care support, and show you are not able to attend venues or activities without that support. 

Who qualifies as a companion?

A ‘companion’ is a person who accompanies a cardholder and provides you with attendant care. This can be anyone you choose – a partner, family member, support worker, paid carer, or friend. That means you can choose different people to accompany you to different social activities.

Using a Queensland companion card

The companion card has been implemented around Australia with each state and territory running its own scheme. However, the way they operate across states is very similar. In Queensland, details of the companion card can be found here. https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/subsidies-concessions-passes/companion-card

Companion cards can be used when purchasing a ticket from any business that is participating in the scheme, and these can be searched on your state or territory companion card scheme website. These businesses will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge.

There are many businesses that may not be aware of the scheme but will be happy to accommodate your companion. It’s also worth noting that you can use your card at participating businesses when travelling interstate.

Learn more and apply for a Queensland Companion Card

You can find out more about companion cards, learn if you’re eligible and search for participating businesses in your state.