An ACT Companion Card is only issued to an applicant who can demonstrate that he or she:
- is a lawful Australian resident living in ACT; and
- has a permanent disability; and
- because of the impact of the disability, is unable to participate at most community venues or activities without attendant care support; and
- needs, or is likely to need, lifelong attendant care support.
The card will only be issued to people who meet ALL the criteria for the program.
A Companion Card is issued in the name of the person who has the disability. Service providers, organisations or potential companions are not eligible to apply for a Companion Card.
There are no income or asset tests, nor are there fees associated with the application process.
Attendant care support
Attendant care support includes significant assistance with mobility, communication, self-care or decision making, where the use of aids, equipment or alternative strategies does not enable the person to carry out these tasks independently.
The Companion Card is not provided to people who only require reassurance, social company or encouragement.
What if I don't qualify for a card?
The Companion Card is not for every person with a disability. There may be circumstances where an individual may use the support of a companion but will not qualify to receive a Companion Card. Examples include:
- when a person is experiencing temporary impairment
- where the need for attendant care support is not lifelong
- when a person is affected by the inaccessibility of a particular venue
- when a person chooses to have a companion to provide social company or reassurance
- when a person chooses to have a companion rather than use available aids, equipment or alternative strategies to access an venue or activity
In situations such as these, it is up to the individual and the venue or activity operators to negotiate an alternative method to verify the need for attendant care support.
