At Like Family, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in community life. The Companion Card program helps make this a reality by letting people with disability bring a buddy along to participating venues and events without paying for a second ticket.
Let's explore what the Companion Card is all about and how it can benefit you.
What is a Companion Card?
The Companion Card is a national program in Australia that lets eligible people with a disability to participate in activities and access venues and services without having to pay the cost of a second ticket for their companion.
It’s recognition that many people with disability require the support of a companion to attend events, use public transport, or visit attractions.
The core principle of the Companion Card is to make these experiences more affordable and accessible by letting an essential support person enter for free.
It’s a simple way of promoting inclusion by reducing the financial barriers associated with disability.
It's not a form of personal identification for the cardholder, but rather a validation that their need for a companion is genuine.
Like a driver’s licence, even though the Companion Card is a national program, you need to apply in your state, and the application process can take between 4–6 weeks.
The Companion Card and the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's system for providing disability support to help people with disabilities live well. While both the Companion Card and the NDIS aim to improve the lives of people with disability, they have different purposes and eligibility criteria.
Importantly, receiving NDIS funding does not automatically mean you are eligible for a Companion Card. The Companion Card is specifically for individuals who require a high level of support for the rest of their life to participate in community activities.
This means that some individuals with an NDIS plan may not qualify for a Companion Card if their support needs are expected to decrease over time.
If you have an NDIS plan and wish to apply for a Companion Card, including copies of disability-related reports with your application is helpful. These reports provide information that assists the Companion Card program in assessing your ongoing need for a high level of support.
When applying, please describe the support you currently require and explain why this level of support is likely to be required for the rest of your life. This comprehensive information will aid in the assessment of your application.
Key benefits of the Companion Card
At its core, having a Companion Card means you can enter venues and services with a friend, family member or Social Carer without having to pay for their ticket.
While this obviously makes outings more affordable, it can also lead to you feeling more independent and able to participate more in your community.
Having a companion with you can also reduce feelings of isolation and make social activities more enjoyable.
Who is eligible for a Companion Card?
Eligibility criteria for the Companion Card are generally consistent across Australia, although details might vary slightly between states and territories.
To be eligible, an applicant must typically:
- You must be an Australian citizen or resident and live in the state you are applying in
- You have a significant and permanent disability
- Due to your disability, you require high-level support for social and community activities
- Your requirement for support is life-long
The Companion Card is not means-tested, meaning your income or assets do not affect your eligibility. The focus is solely on the impact of your disability on your ability to participate in community life.
How to apply for a Companion Card: A step-by-step guide
The application process for a Companion Card can vary slightly between states, but generally involves the following steps:
1: Obtain an application form
You can usually download the application form from your state or territory's Companion Card website. You may also be able to request a form by mail or phone. Here are some direct links to state/territory Companion Card programs:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
2: Complete the application form
Fill out all sections of the form accurately and thoroughly. This will include your personal details and information about your disability and the support you require.
3: Provide supporting documentation
You will need to provide supporting documentation to verify your disability and the need for a companion.
This may include things like medical reports from your doctor or specialist, therapy reports from occupational therapists or physiotherapists, or other relevant documentation. You may also need to supply a passport-style photo.
The application form will detail all the requirements, so check your form to make sure nothing’s missing.
4: Obtain a health professional declaration
In most cases, a health professional (such as your doctor or specialist) or a disability support worker will have to sign the application form to endorse your need for a companion.
5: Submit your application
Once you have completed the form and gathered all supporting documentation, you will have to submit it to the Companion Card program in your state or territory. The application form will specify the mailing address or online submission process.
6: Assessment process
Your application will be assessed by the Companion Card program based on the eligibility criteria and the information you have provided. This process may take between 4–6 weeks to process, depending on the state or territory you are in.
7: Notification of outcome
You will be notified in writing (usually by mail) about the outcome of your application. If your application is successful, you will receive your Companion Card.
Using your Companion Card
Once you receive your Companion Card, you’ll be able to use it to bring a companion along to thousands of venues around Australia.
Here are a few key organisations that accept them:
- Cinemas: Hoyts, Event, Reading, Dendy, Village
- Sport: NRL (some matches), A-league (some matches), V8 Supercars, AFL
- Museums and galleries: Powerhouse Museum, Scienceworks, Queensland Art Gallery, Australian Museum
Alternatively, Like Family has an Events page that we regularly update with fun and accessible events that you can often use a Companion Card to access.
When you plan to attend an event or use a service where the Companion Card is accepted, remember to mention that you are a cardholder when you are booking tickets or upon arrival at the venue. By presenting your card, you will typically be issued a complimentary ticket for the person who is accompanying you to provide support.
Remember, the person who accompanies you can be different each time; the card is linked to you, the cardholder, not to a specific support individual. While your family might be your usual companion, this means that support workers from Like Family can also you during activities or events.
While the Companion Card is widely recognised, it's always a good idea to check with the specific venue or service provider beforehand to confirm their participation in the program. Many participating organisations will display the Companion Card logo, but each state government has a comprehensive list of venues that support the card as well.
Finally, remember that your Companion Card will have an expiry date. Usually, the card lasts for five years, but that may vary, so be sure to check this and follow the renewal process if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Other important things to consider
- If your Companion Card is lost or stolen, you should contact your state or territory's Companion Card program immediately to arrange for a replacement.
- If your contact details change (e.g., address, phone number), it's important to notify the Companion Card program so they can keep your records up to date.
- The Companion Card is solely for the purpose of accessing a companion ticket. You will still need to carry other forms of identification if required.
- While the core principles are national, there might be slight variations in application processes and participating venues between different states and territories. Always refer to your local program's guidelines.
How Like Family supports Companion Card holders
At Like Family, we understand the importance of the Companion Card in enabling people with disability to live more inclusive and fulfilling lives.
Our platform connects you with a diverse community of Social Carers who can act as your companion, supporting you to attend events, participate in activities, and engage with your community.
By connecting with a Social Carer through Like Family and using your Companion Card, you can access a wider range of activities, build meaningful connections and increase your independence.
Ready to experience more with your Companion Card?
Don't let the need for support or the cost of an extra ticket hold you back. Join Like Family today and connect with compassionate Social Carers who can help you make the most of your Companion Card and live a more connected and inclusive life.
Are you ready for your next adventure and need help finding the perfect Social Carer? Our Customer Care team is here to help via hello@likefamily.com.au or call 1800 545 332.