Living with a significant, lifelong disability often means needing support to participate in community life. The Companion Card is designed to help remove a key barrier – the cost of bringing your essential companion.

It allows your support person free entry to participating venues and activities across Australia, making it easier to connect and enjoy experiences together.

If you live in NSW and are looking for more information on whether you are eligible, how to apply or where you can use the Companion Card, this guide is here to help.

What is the Companion Card?

The Companion Card helps make it easier for people in NSW who require support to get out and enjoy community activities across the state.

When you (the cardholder) buy a ticket at a participating venue, your essential companion doesn't need a ticket of their own – they can come with you free of charge.

It's about ensuring that requiring support doesn't come with an extra cost, making participation more affordable and fair.

Who is eligible for the Companion Card in NSW?

The NSW Companion Card is designed to support residents of New South Wales (who are Australian citizens or permanent residents) living with a significant disability that affects them on a long-term, permanent basis.

The card is specifically for individuals who require ongoing, essential support from another person – a companion – to be able to participate in community life.

This means that because of the nature of your disability, getting out to most venues, events, or activities and engaging safely often relies on having someone there to actively assist you.

The Companion Card acknowledges that even with the help of aids or technology, sometimes you still need that direct human support to navigate the community. It's intended for situations where this need for hands-on assistance from a companion is lifelong, meaning it's not expected to change significantly due to future recovery, development, treatment, or training.

It's also helpful to know that while many people might have NDIS support, the Companion Card program has its specific eligibility requirements focused on the need for a companion for community access.

That means that being an NDIS participant doesn't automatically mean you'll be eligible for a Companion Card, as the assessment criteria differ.

How to apply for a Companion Card in NSW

The application process for a Companion Card in NSW involves several steps. You can apply by downloading and completing a form, and submitting it with supporting documentation.

  1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
  2. Download and complete the application form: You can download the official application form from the Service NSW website.
  3. Collect supporting documentation: You will need to provide evidence to support your application. This will include:
  • Medical or allied health reports: Copies of reports confirming your diagnosis and the lifelong need for carer support when accessing the community. These reports need to clearly describe the impact of your disability and why you require attendant care. The form will also need to be signed by your treating medical or allied health care professional.
  • Passport-style photo: One recent, high-quality, passport-style colour photograph of yourself against a plain background.
  1. Submit your application: Once you’ve filled out the form, you have to scan and submit it via email:

After you apply: Your application will be reviewed, and you may be contacted for further information if needed. If your application is approved, you will receive your Companion Card in the mail. If it is declined, you will be notified with information on how to request a review of the decision.

A wheelchair user and their support worker taking a walk at a park.

Where can you use your Companion Card in NSW?

The Companion Card is accepted at a wide variety of businesses and venues across not just NSW, but all of Australia.

These affiliated businesses recognise the importance of support people and offer free entry to the companion of a cardholder.

The NSW government website has a comprehensive list of affiliated businesses on its website, which lets you browse by suburb or postcode to find places to use the Companion Card.

There are over 1,000 NSW businesses that support the Companion Card. Remember, you will need to confirm with each business while making a booking or purchasing a ticket.

While there are too many businesses that support the Companion Card in NSW to highlight them all, here are some highlights:

Entertainment & Leisure

Many cinemas, theatres, live music venues, amusement parks, zoos, wildlife parks, museums, art galleries, bowling alleys, and sporting events support the Companion Card. Consider locations like Raging Waters in Western Sydney, Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo or Luna Park in Milsons Point.

Aquatic Centres and Pools

Many local council and private aquatic facilities will let your companion accompany you while you enjoy a swim.

Tours and attractions

Various sightseeing tours and tourist attractions across NSW support the Companion Card. Consider places like the ZigZag railway, whale watching experiences in Coffs Harbour or Captain Cook Cruises around Sydney Harbour.

Accommodation

You can use the Companion Card at some holiday parks and accommodation providers, though you should always check when booking.

Public Transport

On most public transport services in NSW, including trains, buses, trams, and ferries, your companion can travel for free when travelling with you. You will need to show your Companion Card as proof of entitlement.

Remember: It is always best to confirm with the specific venue or service provider before your visit to ensure they participate in the program and to understand any specific conditions for Companion Card use.

Other things to know about the NSW Companion Card

  • The NSW Companion Card is valid for five years from the date of issue. You will typically receive information on how to renew your card before it expires.
  • If your Companion Card is lost, stolen, damaged, or your name or photo needs updating, you can request a replacement. Contact the NSW Companion Card program for the process.
  • The Companion Card is issued in your name, and you choose your companion each time you attend a venue or service. Your companion does not need to be the same person every time, so you can use take a Like Family Social Carer with you.

Contact the NSW Companion Card program

If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact the NSW Companion Card program:

A Like Family Member and Social Carer playing the guitar together.

Need a companion? Bring Like Family with you

Like Family's support workers are the perfect buddies for using your Companion Card at your next activity. We focus on social and community support, and our carers are eager to join your next experience so you can have some fun.

Get in touch with our helpful Customer Care team today via hello@likefamily.com.au or call 1800 545 332 and get ready to head out!

Join Like Family today