Your Guide to Companion Cards: Enjoy More with Your NDIS Plan
Empowrd • July 9, 2025
Living with a disability shouldn’t mean missing out on the things you love.
Concerts. Movies. Sporting events. Art galleries.
These experiences help us connect with our community and bring joy to our daily lives.
That’s where the Companion Card comes in.
If you are an NDIS participant or support someone who is, a Companion Card can help you attend events and activities while ensuring your companion or support worker can join you without paying for their entry ticket.
What is a Companion Card?
A Companion Card is a free card issued to individuals with significant, lifelong disabilities who require support from another person to participate in community activities.
It allows your support worker, friend, or family member to join you at events and venues without requiring them to purchase their admission ticket.
How Does it Work?
If you have a Companion Card, participating venues and businesses will:
- Provide one complimentary companion ticket when you buy your ticket
- Waive extra admission fees for your support person
This helps reduce costs and makes it easier for you to enjoy community activities.
Who Can Get a Companion Card?
You may be eligible for a Companion Card if you:
- Have a
permanent disability that significantly limits your ability to participate in community activities without help
- Need
lifelong attendant care for things like mobility, communication, self-care, or social support
- Require a companion to ensure your safety and participation
Important: Eligibility criteria vary slightly between states, so always check your state’s Companion Card website for full details.
Is a Companion Card Part of the NDIS?
No, the Companion Card is not part of the NDIS.
However, it works beautifully alongside your NDIS plan.
For example:
- It helps you access community activities without paying extra for your support worker’s ticket
- You can still claim your support worker’s time from your NDIS plan, even if their entry ticket is free
How to Apply for a Companion Card
Each state and territory in Australia has its own Companion Card program.
Here’s where to find information for your state:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
Companion Card ACT Website
- New South Wales (NSW):
Companion Card NSW Website
- Northern Territory (NT):
Companion Card NT Website
- Queensland (QLD):
Companion Card QLD Website
- South Australia (SA):
Companion Card SA Website
- Tasmania (TAS):
Companion Card TAS Website
- Victoria (VIC):
Companion Card VIC Website
- Western Australia (WA):
Companion Card WA Website
Tip: Most applications will require supporting documents that demonstrate your disability and explain why a companion is necessary.
Where Can You Use a Companion Card?
Thousands of venues and events across Australia accept the Companion Card, including:
- Theatres and cinemas
- Festivals and exhibitions
- Sporting events and stadiums
- Museums and art galleries
- Public transport (in some states)
Always look for the Companion Card logo when booking tickets or visiting venues.
Final Thoughts
Your NDIS plan is there to help you live life your way, and the Companion Card can help you stretch your budget further so you don’t miss out on the experiences that matter to you.
If you’re eligible, it’s free to apply, and it opens the door to more opportunities and community participation.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
If you are ready to be Empowrd to live your life to the fullest, let us steer you on the right path.
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