Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can help you complete the application. Part of the application needs to be completed by your medical professional.

If you are unable to sign the applicant declaration, someone else can sign on your behalf. This could be your:

• legal guardian
• enduring power of attorney
• unpaid carer.

No. The Companion Card is for people with permanent disability who require life-long attendant care.

The responsibility to provide equal access to goods, services and facilities is with the venue owners or event operators.

Yes, there is no income or asset test for a Companion Card.

Applicants who have not been successful may request a review of the decision.

A request for a review must be made in writing and may include any new information that clearly demonstrates you meet the Companion Card criteria.

While there are no age limits on who can receive a Companion Card, applicants must demonstrate:

• that their need for high-level attendant care will continue, and
• that this level of attendant care is likely to be lifelong.

Children will not be issued a Companion Card if their condition is:

• likely to improve, and
• they are likely to access the community independently as an adult

You may be able to negotiate your child’s current care requirements directly with venue and activity operator.

No, the Companion Card is not a proof of age card.

It identifies the cardholder as someone with a permanent disability who needs life-long attendant care to participate in social activities and events.

Yes, you can use your Companion Card nationally. The card is accepted at thousands of affiliate businesses, events and venues across Australia. Check with each state and territory Companion Card program about where you can use your card.

If you move permanently to another state you can transfer your Tasmanian Companion Card to your new home state. You need to contact the Companion Card program in your new home state for advice on how to do this.

No, the Companion Card is for people with permanent disability who require life-long attendant care.

A companion can be a family member, friend or a paid support worker who provides your high-level attendant care support. They must be of an age to be able to assist you to participate at a venue or activity.

You can choose who you wish to have as your companion, and this may vary depending on the activity and the occasion.

No. The Companion Card entitles the card holder to one complimentary ticket. This ticket is for their companion, who will provide a high level of support to the cardholder.

No. A Companion Card is issued to the person with a disability and only one card can be issued at any time.

If a replacement card is issued it will be given a new number and the previous card is immediately deactivated. This is for security reasons to protect the affiliates and ensure integrity of the program.

Applications for Companion Card takes a minimum of 8 weeks to be assessed and longer if more information is required.

You can appeal a decision if there are valid concerns about the fairness or integrity of the assessment process. Service Tasmania will consider an appeal if you can show that one or more of these may have happened:

Conflict of Interest:

• A person involved in the decision had a direct or indirect financial interest in the outcome of the application.

Incorrect Advice:

• The applicant received incorrect information from Service Tasmania. This information negatively impacted the preparation of their application.

Discrimination:

• The decision-making process involved discrimination on irrelevant or unlawful grounds.

If you believe any of these circumstances apply, you may submit a written request for review. Appeals must be sent to companion.card@service.tas.gov.au within 28 days of receiving the outcome of your application.

If a business does not accept your Companion Card you need to make sure:

• the business is a program affiliate (not all businesses are affiliated)
• your photo is current and you are recognisable
• your card has not expired
• you are there with your companion.

If the business or activity is not an affiliate, you may still be able to negotiate for a companion ticket or reduction in fee charged for the companion.