If you have a disability and a lifelong need for ‘attendant care support’ in order 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 Card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed after that.
A companion is any person who accompanies a cardholder and provides attendant care support. The cardholder’s chosen companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, family member, friend or partner.
Eligibility
The Companion Card is not income or asset tested. To be eligible for the card, you must:
- be a lawful Australian resident, living in Queensland
- have a disability
- because of the impact of the disability, be unable to participate at most community venues or activities without attendant care support
- need, or be likely to need, lifelong attendant care support.
Who is not Eligible?
Companions and organisations — it is the person who has the disability, rather than their companion, who must apply for the card.
A person whose need for attendant care support is not lifelong, or likely to be lifelong (i.e. if a person is likely to become independent in the future as result of treatment, rehabilitation, management, training, recovery or developmental improvement).
A child, when the need for attendant care support is reasonable at their age rather than specifically because of the disability.
Examples of situations where a person may not be eligible include when a person is:
- experiencing a temporary disability
- relying on a companion for social support and encouragement only
- being affected by the inaccessibility of a venue.
How to Apply for a Companion Card
The application form is available:
- as a downloadable PDF—Companion Card application form (PDF, 422KB)
- as a downloadable Word document—Companion Card application form (DOCX, 133KB)
- or by request—email Card Services or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Any person can help you complete your application form. If you are unable to sign the form, your formal or informal decision maker may sign on your behalf.
Using your Companion Card in Queensland
The Companion Card is accepted at a range of venues and activities across Queensland—from regional shows and the Brisbane Ekka, to sporting venues, tourist attractions, theatres and cinemas. Use the online directory to search for places to use your Companion Card.
Using your Companion Card Interstate
The Companion Card is recognised throughout Australia. Each state has their own version of the companion card. Use the National Companion Card website to find participating businesses interstate.
For other information on available assistance, look at our FND and Families tab.
