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 |
Helping someone apply
A carer, support worker or NDIS service provider can support eligible applicants to submit an accurate Companion Card application, including their supporting documentation.
How you can help people understand the Companion Card program:
- Help people understand the eligibility requirements.
- Advise people the Companion Card is not issued to all people with a disability.
- Advise people that receiving assistance with Social and Community Participation funding in their NDIS plan or having a Disability Support Pension does not automatically mean they are eligible for a Companion Card.
- Advise people the Tasmanian Companion Card program is a voluntary scheme where participating affiliate organisations, businesses and outlets opt to provide complementary Companion Tickets.
- Advise people the Companion Card is not a legislated entitlement. Non-participating venues are not obliged to offer complementary tickets to people with disabilities.
- Advise people accessibility shortfalls at a venue or event are not covered by the Companion Card program.
- Discourage people with minimal or moderate support needs and discourage those excluded on the eligibility list from applying.
For more information, download the NDIS Service Provider Tip Sheet (PDF, 244KB) provided by the Victorian Companion Card program.