Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program
Work Experience and Support Program
Refugee Week | 16-22 June
ACT Services Access Card for Asylum Seekers
What is the ACT Services Access Card?
If you have a Protection Visa Acknowledgement (PVA) letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) then you are eligible for an ACT Services Access Card. If you are eligible, you are able to get a card for you and each of your family members for a period of three months.
The card, a sample of which is pictured below in its actual size, can easily fit into your wallet or purse and can be used as a form of recognition when accessing services with the aim of providing an easier and faster experience and outcome.
Who is an asylum seeker?
An asylum seeker is an individual who is seeking international protection.
In Australia, an asylum seeker is a Protection Visa (PV) applicant who has not yet received a final decision on their application from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Not every asylum seeker will ultimately be recognised as a refugee, but every refugee is first an asylum seeker.
Asylum seekers can feel extremely vulnerable because they have an uncertain future – they have left their old lives behind, but they cannot start planning and living their lives with certainty until they know the outcome of their protection claim. This uncertainty and vulnerability can cause much stress and pressure in their lives.
By showing their ACT Services Access Card, asylum seekers can decrease the stress or trauma of retelling their story again and again.
The ACT Government is committed to providing the fairest society possible for all Canberra residents, and that is no less the case for asylum seekers. The ACT Government appreciates that asylum seekers have had to endure tremendous emotional hardship and we want to provide you with help as you continue to adjust to your new lives.
That is why the ACT Government has made a pledge to provide asylum seekers with the same services as it does to refugees, wherever possible and have made this easier through the ACT Services Access Card. This card makes it easier for asylum seekers to access all the services they are entitled to. The information on this page provides you with information about those services. If you find it difficult to understand the language on this website, please use the Google Translate service which you can find on the top right hand side of this page and which can translate English into 52 languages. List of Services
Who can get an ACT Services Access Card?
If you have a Protection Visa Acknowledgement (PVA) letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) then you are eligible for an ACT Services Access Card. If you are eligible, you are able to get a card for you and each of your family members for a period of three months.
Where can I get an ACT Services Access Card?
The non-government organisation Companion House is authorised by the ACT Government to issue the ACT Services Access Card. Its offices are found in the northern Canberra suburb of Cook. Its phone number is (02) 6251 4550 and its address is 41 Templeton Street, Cook. Its website is www.companionhouse.org.au 
and its email address is info@companionhouse.org.au.
Do I have to get an ACT Services Access Card?
No. The card is designed to make it easier for you to use the services available but it is not compulsory.
What are my rights and responsibilities?
If you lose your card, you should report it to Companion House immediately (see contact details above) and you should also contact them when your card is approaching its expiry date (each card is valid for three months). You should also contact Companion House if your circumstances change, for example if your visa status changes, and you cannot transfer your card to family or friends.
Where to use your ACT Services Access Card
The ACT Services Access Card facilitates access to a range of ACT Government and other services for asylum seekers living in the ACT. The card does not give asylum seekers special entitlements, as all services included under the scheme are those that asylum seekers are already entitled to access. Outlined below is a list of services available for asylum seekers in Canberra and where you can use your ACT Services Access Card:
Transport
ACTION Buses
Policy: To provide asylum seekers with access to public transport through concession rate bus fares to ensure they are able to fully participate in our city.
Service description: All holders of the ACT Services Access Card are eligible for concession fares.
Phone: 13 17 10
Website: Action Buses Concession_application
Where can I get a MyWay card for Bus Travel?
MyWay cards can be ordered online or purchased from MyWay recharge agents Canberra Connect Shopfronts; and MyWay Centres. Please contact the MyWay Office on 13 17 10 to find the location of your nearest MyWay outlet.
A minimum of $5 cash, or $20 via EFTPOS or credit card, will need to be placed on the card at time of purchase.
To enable travel on ACTION buses at concession fare rates, ACT Services Access Card holders will be required to update their MyWay cards to acknowledge their entitlement.
To do this, concession holders should complete an application for a concession MyWay card and bring it to a MyWay Centre in Civic or Belconnen, or to any Canberra Connect shopfront.
Concession holders will be required to present their ACT Services Access Card as proof of their entitlement to staff, who will then update their MyWay card for use.
Deane’s Buslines (Oaks Estate residents only)
Policy: Providing asylum seekers with easier access to ACT town centres through a transfer agreement with ACTION Buses.
Service description: Deane’s Buslines provides concession bus fares for Oaks Estate residents transferring between Deane's Buslines services and ACTION Buses.
Phone: 6299 3722
Website: Deanes Buslines
Oaks Estate residents are entitled to use their MyWay to transfer between Deane’s Buslines and ACTION buses.
Present your ACTION ticket or MyWay card to the Deane's Buslines driver within 90 minutes of purchase and provide proof of your Oaks Estate address.
ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Policy: The ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme subsidises the transport costs of eligible individuals who are unable to use public transport due to severe or profound activity limitations. This supports social inclusion and economic participation of community members who would otherwise be at risk of social isolation.
Service description: The ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme is available to those only with a demonstrated medical need.
Phone: 6205 1012
Website: ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Taxi Subsidy Scheme
If you or a family member have a severe disability that prevents them from using public transport for a minimum period of 6 months, you may be eligible to access the Taxi Subsidy Scheme.
Travel can be by regular taxi or a wheelchair accessible taxi where required. For more information on ACT Government Concessions, including those administered by other Government agencies, visit phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
Education
ACT public schools
Policy: The ACT Government, through the ACT Education and Training Directorate, provides high quality education services which are available for all children in Canberra, including asylum seekers.
Service description: Where eligible, asylum seekers may apply for a fee waiver to cover the costs associated with their children’s enrolment in local public schools. Asylum seekers who wish to enrol their children at an ACT public school should first contact the ACT Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Phone: 6205 6998 – ask for manager Nicole King
Website: Education Directorate International_Students
Useful link: Enrolment_procedures_for_temporary_visa_holders fact_sheet
If you wish to enrol your children at an ACT Public School, phone Ms Nicole King, Manager, Centre for Teaching and Learning, on 02 6205 6998.
CIT English language classes
Policy: Canberra Institute of Technology offers a range of classes and courses in English language to allow students to study English from an elementary level through to a more advanced level, preparing them for further study or work. This includes the free Adult Migrant English Program for eligible applicants.
Service description: Asylum seekers on bridging visas awaiting a decision from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on their application for protection are able to attend English classes at CIT.
Phone: 6207 4800
Website: CIT English language classes
The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) delivers free English classes for asylum seekers. For more information phone 02 6207 4800.
ACT public libraries
Policy: To provide asylum seekers with access to information and other library services to help with their acclimation into Australian culture and the Canberra way of life.
Service description: ACT public libraries provide free English classes for all asylum seekers as well as the standard range of library services such as book borrowing, internet access and social groups.
Phone: 6205 9000
Website: ACT Public Libraries
Housing
Refugee Transitional Housing Program
Policy: Due to strict eligibility criteria, including providing proof of permanent Australian residency, public housing properties in the ACT are not available for asylum seekers. However, you may be able to access the Refugee Transitional Housing Program through which Housing ACT provides properties to Companion House and Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services for allocation.
Service description: The Refugee Transitional Housing Program provides short-term, on-arrival accommodation for newly arrived refugees in the ACT. The majority of properties are for refugees arriving under the Federal Government’s Humanitarian Settlement Services program, with only a small number allocated to eligible asylum seekers.
Phone: 6251 4550 or 6248 8577
Website: Companion House or Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc.
Legal
Public Trustee for the ACT
Policy: The Public Trustee exists to provide permanent and secure trustee and administration services to all members of the ACT community. It has discretion to discount or waive fees for reasons of hardship, and other circumstances, taking into account the complexity of the estate administered.
Service description: All holders of the ACT Services Access Card can access Public Trustee services, including services to prepare a will or enduring power of attorney direction.
Phone: 6207 9800
Website: Public Trustee for the ACT
The Public Trustee of the ACT can help wil Will preparation and Enduring Power of Attorney preparation; phone 02 6207 9800 for an appointment. You will need to bring your Access Card with you. If you need an interpreter, please advise the Public Trustee office in advance.
Healthcare
ACT public health services
Policy: To ensure asylum seekers who are Medicare ineligible are not deterred from seeking medical care because of an inability to pay fees.
Service description: Medicare ineligible asylum seekers are entitled to full medical care including pathology, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and outpatient services in the ACT’s public hospitals, as per Health (Fees) Determination 2007 (No 1). Patients receiving these services will not be billed. Medicare ineligible asylum seekers are also given the same access as Health Care Card holders, to public dental and community health services. However, some of these may incur a cost.
Phone: 13 22 81
Website: Health Directorate
Other helpful links
Public Health Services to Medicare Ineligible Asylum Seekers Policy
Community Health services directory
Dental services
ACT Ambulance Service
For serious illness or injury requiring urgent attention, phone 000 for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department at Canberra Hospital or Calvary Hospital.
Asylum seekers (including those without Medicare access) are very welcome at the Companion House Medical Service and are seen at no cost. For enquiries or to make an appointment phone 02 6251 4550. You can access Companion House Medical Service by visiting the office at 41
Public health Services to Medicare Ineligible asylum seekers- ACT Health
Medicare ineligible asylum seekers are to be provided full medical care including pathology, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and outpatient services in the ACT’s public hospitals, as per Health (Fees) Determination 2007 (No 1). Patients receiving these services are not to be billed. This policy does not apply to ineligible persons who have a contract with a VMO
Medicare ineligible asylum seekers are also to be given the same access as Health Care Card holders, to public dental and community health services (some of which may incur a cost). Public Health Services to Medicare Ineligible Asylum SeekeRES
Asylum seekers may also be eligible for income and funded medical care under the administered by the Australian Red Cross. Phone 02 6234 7600
Companion House medical services
Policy: Companion House works with people who have sought refuge in Australia from persecution, torture and war related trauma, including through the provision of medical services and referrals for adults, young people and children.
Service description: Companion House medical services can provide general practice and primary health services for individuals in their first 12 months in Australia. Patients can then continue to use Companion House medical services until a community GP for referral is found in their local area.
Phone: 6251 4550
Website: Companion House
Email: emily.lambert@companionhouse.org.au
What are my rights and responsibilities?
If you lose your card, you should report it to Companion House immediately and you should also contact them when your card is approaching its expiry date, towards the end of its three-month issue period. You should also contact Companion House if your circumstances change, for example if your visa status changes. Additionally, you cannot transfer your card to family or friends.
Where can I get help as an asylum seeker in the ACT?
In addition to ACT Government services, there are a number of community organisations that offer support to asylum seekers. Their services are free and do not require the ACT Access Services Card. These organisations include:
Australian Red Cross
Red Cross House
Cnr Hindmarsh Drive & Palmer Street, Garran
Phone 02 6234 7600
actinfo@redcross.org.au
Canberra Refugee Support
actrefugee@gmail.com
Canberra Refugee Support
Companion House
41 Templeton Street, Cook
Phone 02 6251 4550
info@companionhouse.org.au
Companion House
Migrant & Refugee Settlement
Services of the ACT (MARSS)
Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre
180 London Circuit, Civic
Phone 02 6248 8577
marss@marss.org.au
Migrant & Refugee Settlement
Multicultural Youth Services
Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre
180 London Circuit, Civic
Phone 02 6100 4611
info@mys.org.au
Multicultural Youth Services
Further Information
For further information on ACT Services Access Card, contact the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs on phone (02) 6205 3153 or via email at omatsia@act.gov.au
For more information on ACT Government Assistance, including those administered by other Government agencies, go to the Assistance website
