The Companion Card: Who's Eligible and How to Apply in Your State
By FindMyHelp Editorial Team · Reviewed against official sources on
Going to the footy, the cinema or a concert costs more when the person you support needs a companion with them. The Companion Card fixes that: at participating venues, the cardholder's companion gets in without paying for a second ticket. Here's who can get one and how to apply.
What is the Companion Card?
The Companion Card lets people with disability bring a support person to events and activities without paying for a second ticket. It brings together state and territory programs, and states and territories issue the cards (health.gov.au – Companion Card).
In Queensland, for example, cardholders get a second "companion" ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport, and the companion ticket is exempt from booking fees (Queensland Government – About Companion Card).
Key points:
- The card is issued in the name of the person with disability, not the companion.
- The companion can be anyone who provides attendant care support: a paid or unpaid carer, family member, friend or partner. The cardholder can choose a different person each time.
- It's free. There's no income or assets test.
Sources: Queensland Government; NSW Government – Card FAQs
Who is eligible?
Each state sets its own rules, but they're broadly similar. In NSW, you must (NSW Government – Get a Companion Card):
- be a person with significant and permanent disability
- be unable to take part in most community activities without attendant care support because of your disability
- need that level of care for life
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NSW.
Queensland has similar rules. You must live in Queensland, have a disability, be unable to take part in most community venues or activities without attendant care support, and need it lifelong, or likely lifelong (Queensland Government).
What counts as "attendant care support"?
Queensland defines it as significant help with mobility, communication, self-care or learning, where aids, equipment or other strategies don't let the person do these things on their own. It doesn't include a companion who only provides social company, reassurance or encouragement.
Who usually isn't eligible
- People with a temporary disability, or whose need is likely to improve with treatment, rehabilitation or development.
- People who rely on a companion for social support and encouragement only.
- Situations where the problem is that a venue isn't accessible. The card isn't designed to make up for missing ramps, lifts or accessible toilets.
- Children whose need for support is normal for their age. Children can be eligible if their needs are significantly above what's typical for their age.
People with episodic conditions (such as MS, epilepsy or schizophrenia) are considered case by case in NSW (NSW Government – FAQs).
NDIS doesn't mean automatic eligibility
The Companion Card is separate from the NDIS. You can apply if you have an NDIS plan, but NDIS eligibility doesn't guarantee a Companion Card. Some NDIS participants need a high level of support now but may need less in future (NSW Government).
How to apply
New South Wales
You'll need (NSW Government – Get a card):
- Part B: Health Professional Declaration, completed by your treating medical practitioner
- recent reports confirming the diagnosis and the lifelong need for attendant care
- a passport-style colour photo.
Applications are made online. Postal and email applications aren't accepted from 1 July 2026. Current waits may be up to 18 weeks. For help with the online form, call 1800 893 044 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm).
Queensland
You'll need (Queensland Government – Get a Companion Card):
- a health professional assessment, completed by a registered medical practitioner, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, registered nurse, certified practising speech pathologist or qualified social worker
- a portrait photo verified by that health professional.
You can apply online, by post, by email or in person. Processing aims for 20 business days, plus about 3 weeks for the card to arrive by post. Cards are valid for 5 years. It's free. Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for help.
Applying for someone else? In Queensland, parents, guardians, spouses, family members or friends can apply online for the person. Paid support workers should apply by post, email or in person.
Other states and territories
Contact your state or territory program (health.gov.au):
| State or territory | Phone |
|---|---|
| ACT | (02) 6205 4333 |
| NSW | 1800 893 044 |
| NT | (08) 8948 5400 |
| QLD | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) |
| SA | 1800 667 110 |
| TAS | 1800 009 501 |
| VIC | 1800 650 611 |
| WA | 1800 617 337 |
Using your card
- Ask about the Companion Card when you book, and look for the Companion Card logo at venues.
- Participating venues are called affiliates. Some non-affiliated businesses may still accept the card once they know about the program. The back of the card explains it.
- Interstate: The card is recognised throughout Australia at participating affiliates (Queensland Government – Using your card; NSW FAQs).
- Moving interstate? You can transfer your card to your new state.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Companion Card cost anything?
No. Companion Cards are free. In NSW, you pay for your own passport-quality photos.
Is the Companion Card means tested?
No. There's no income or assets test.
Can my child get a Companion Card?
Yes, if their need for support is lifelong and significantly above what's typical for their age. In NSW, the child must be old enough to be charged an entry fee.
Does the companion have to be the same person every time?
No. The card is in the name of the person with disability, and they can choose their companion each time.
Can I use my Companion Card in another state?
Yes. The card is recognised at participating affiliates throughout Australia.
Does having an NDIS plan mean I'll get a Companion Card?
No. They're separate programs, and NDIS eligibility doesn't guarantee a Companion Card.
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This guide is general information. Companion Card rules vary by state and territory. Always check your state or territory program for current requirements.