What is a companion card and how can you get one?
The Victorian State Government defines the companion card as "a card for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities". The companion card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events. Having a companion card can help people with disabilities (and their families) save money without forgoing the activities they enjoy!
So where can you use a companion card? In Victoria, only a business which is an affiliate of the companion card is required to provide a ticket at no charge for your companion. In other words, it's up to each individual business to decide whether they accept companion cards or not. If you are unsure if a venue accepts the companion card, please contact them before you buy your ticket. Participating organisations will usually display the companion card logo at the entrance of their business premises or on their advertising material. It is important to note that in Victoria, the companion card can be used on all public transport services.
So how do you get a companion card? If you are a Victorian and you want to apply for a companion card today, use this link to get started: https://www.companioncard.vic.gov.au/how-apply
There are four steps that you need to take in order to get a companion card:
Step 1. Check if you are eligible: The eligibility checklist (available through the link listed above) has 4 questions you can answer to find out if you should apply.
Step 2. Take some photos: You will need 2 high quality, passport-sized photographs of you that are signed on the back by your health professional. You can take the photos yourself as long as they are clear head and shoulder only shots, that are in colour and printed on photographic paper. If you apply online, you will need to upload a digital photograph to Part A of your form.
Step 3. See a health professional to complete the form, verify the photos and give you reports: You will need relevant evidence or documentation that supports your application. This may include any formal reports such as visual readings, IQ score, Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)/ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) score or psychological assessments. If applying online, you must add your reports and photograph in Part A of the form. Your health professional will verify your photographs when they complete Part B and can also attach additional evidence or documentation.
Step 4. Submit your application: After your application has been submitted it will be reviewed to determine if you are eligible for a companion card. A decision will then be made to issue you with a card or not.
Please note that individual states and territories are responsible for issuing companion cards. Contacts numbers which are relevant to each state or territory are listed below.
Australian Capital Territory: (02) 6205 4333
New South Wales: 1800 893 044
Northern Territory: 1800 139 656
Queensland: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
South Australia: 1800 667 110
Tasmania: 1800 009 501
Victoria: 1800 650 611
Western Australia: 1800 617 337