Apply for, replace or renew a card
How to apply
To apply you must:
- discuss with your health provider, or support worker if you meet the eligibility criteria
- complete a Companion Card application form (PDF, 331KB)
- provide a high quality, passport-sized photo of yourself, less than six months old
- have your application form and photo signed by your health professional
- submit the form, photos and copies of any supporting documents.
In person | Post |
|---|---|
Companion Card |
Application forms are also available from any service centre, or you can call 1800 009 501 to have a form sent to you. You can also email companion.card@service.tas.gov.au to request a form.
Update address details
You need to let us know if your address changes. You will not need a replacement card, however we will update your details in our system. This means we can send you a renewal form when your card is due to expire.
You can call 1800 009 501 or email companion.card@service.tas.gov.au to let us know your new address.
Replace a card
You will need to replace your Companion Card if:
- your card is lost, stolen or damaged
- you change your name
- you want to update your photo.
If you have changed your name you will need to provide evidence that it has been legally changed. You can send us a copy of your:
- marriage certificate
- divorce certificate
- name change certificate.
If you want to change the photo on your card, you will need to provide a new photo. The photo must:
- be less than six months old
- be in colour
- have your name written on the back
- be passport quality (4.5cm x 3.5cm).
To request a replacement card please call the Companion Card Program on 1800 009 501 or email companion.card@service.tas.gov.au.
Renew a card
The expiry date is printed on the card. When your card expires, you will need to renew it.
The renewal period is based on the:
- life expectancy (wear and tear) of the card
- need for photos to accurately reflect your appearance, and
- potential for change in your support needs, in some cases.
We will send you the renewal application. You can renew your card up to six months before your card will expire.
In person | Post | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
Companion Card |
Moving to Tasmania
To transfer to a Tasmanian Companion Card, complete the interstate application transfer consent form (PDF, 84KB), and send it to us by post or email.
Post | |
|---|---|
Companion Card |
Moving away from Tasmania
You must contact the Companion Card program in the state or territory where you now live.
What if my application is unsuccessful?
Only people with severe or profound disability who require lifelong substantial attendant care to attend venues or events are eligible for a Companion Card.
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria your application will be declined. If your application has been declined, you can seek a review if:
- your circumstances change
- you’re able to provide new information that clearly demonstrates you meet the Companion Card eligibility criteria.
How do I get a review?
You do not need to complete a new application form. You will need to:
- tell us in writing you would like a review
- provide the additional information
- have your health professional sign any new information and provide their contact details for verification (original documents cannot be returned to you).
Any new information you provide, along with your original application, will be sent to the Manager, Community Grants and Programs for consideration.
The review may take up to 6-8 weeks. We will tell you the outcome of the review in writing. Please send your additional information to:
Post | |
|---|---|
Companion Card |
Can someone help me apply
Yes. Anyone can help an eligible person complete the application. A medical professional must also complete part of the form. Not everyone with a disability can get a Companion Card. Before applying, make sure someone checks you are eligible.
Tips to help decide if someone should apply for a Companion Card:
- Only encourage people to apply if they meet the Companion Card eligibility criteria.
- The Companion Card is not for all people with a disability or for everyone who has a carer.
- People who need only minimal or moderate support are unlikely to qualify and may be unsuccessful. View some examples of accepted eligible conditions or diagnoses.
- Getting support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) does not automatically mean someone is eligible.
- Receiving the Disability Support Pension does not automatically mean someone is eligible.
Tips to help someone apply for the Companion Card:
- Answers must focus on how the person accesses venues and events.
- Do not include difficulties related to daily living at home (such as dressing, showering, or household tasks).
- Medical evidence is required for every application. Reports must include:
- A diagnosis
- How the disability affects the person at venues or events
- Any equipment, technology, treatments, or strategies used in these settings
- Medical evidence may be provided by:
- General practitioners
- Medical specialists
- Allied health professionals (for example, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, psychologists)
- Other documents, like NDIS plans or My Aged Care assessments, can support the application, but cannot replace medical evidence.