QLD Companion Card: Who Is Eligible and How to Apply
Updated: 2 days ago
Getting out into the community shouldn't cost more just because you need support to do it. That's what the Queensland Companion Card is for.
This guide explains what the QLD Companion Card is, who's eligible, exactly how to apply, and where you can use it, with everything checked against the Queensland Government's current information.
What is the QLD Companion Card?
The Companion Card is for people with a permanent disability who can't take part in most community activities without attendant care support. When you show your card at a participating venue or event, your companion gets a free ticket. Companion tickets are also exempt from booking fees.
The card is issued to the person with disability, not to the support worker or carer. Only the person whose photo and details are on the card can use it, and a companion ticket can't be used unless the cardholder is there.
Who counts as a companion?
A companion is the person who provides your attendant care support while you're out. It can be a support worker, family member, friend, partner or carer, paid or unpaid.
Attendant care support means hands-on help with things like mobility, communication, personal care or learning. It doesn't include a companion who is only there for social company, reassurance or encouragement.
Who is eligible for a Companion Card in Queensland?
To be eligible, you need to:
Be a permanent resident of Queensland
Have a permanent disability
Be unable to take part in most community activities without attendant care support
Need, or be likely to need, lifelong attendant care support
The Companion Card is not income or asset tested.
The NDIS and the Companion Card are separate. Being eligible for the NDIS doesn't guarantee you're eligible for a Companion Card, and you don't need to be on the NDIS to get one. The Queensland Government assesses each application against the criteria above. Our guide to accessing the NDIS covers the NDIS side.
When you may not be eligible
Your need for support is temporary
You only need someone with you for company, reassurance or encouragement
You're a child whose support needs are typical for their age
How to apply for a Companion Card in QLD
There is no cost to apply. Here's the process, step by step.
1. Get a health professional assessment. Before you apply, a health professional needs to complete the assessment part of the application. It can be a registered medical practitioner, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist or nurse, a certified practising speech pathologist, or a qualified social worker. They can't be the applicant or an immediate family member.
2. Get a photo. You'll need a recent colour, portrait-style photo of your face and shoulders against a plain light background. The health professional also confirms the photo is of you.
3. Complete the application. If you're over 18, you sign it yourself. For someone under 18, or someone who can't sign, a parent, guardian, informal carer or authorised person can sign.
4. Lodge it. You can apply online and upload your documents through the Queensland Government Companion Card page, email it to companioncard@smartservice.qld.gov.au, post it to Reply Paid 89109, Brisbane City QLD 4000, or drop it in at the Brisbane, Cairns or Maroochydore Queensland Government Service Centre. For questions, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
5. Wait for approval. The Queensland Government aims to process applications within 20 business days and will let you know by SMS or email. Incomplete applications take longer. Allow about 3 weeks for your card to arrive in the post.
How long does the card last?
The Companion Card is valid for 5 years. When it's about to expire, you can renew it online. Renewal is also free and needs a new health professional assessment. You can also replace a lost card, update your details or transfer your card if you move interstate.
Where can you use the Companion Card?
Companion Card affiliates include:
Cinemas, theatres and live performances
Sporting venues and events
Attractions
Regional shows and the Ekka
Community events and festivals
Your companion can also travel free with you on Translink services throughout Queensland and on Queensland Traveltrain holidays. You can search for venues in the Queensland Government's online affiliate directory, or ask for a list through the Using your card page. If a business isn't an affiliate, it may still accept the card once they know about the program, so it's always worth asking.
On the Gold Coast, places like Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and HOTA accept the Companion Card, according to their own accessibility pages.
Using it interstate
The Companion Card is recognised throughout Australia at participating venues, because every state and territory runs a Companion Card program. If you move interstate, you can transfer your card.
Why the Companion Card matters
For many people with disability, every outing costs twice: once for them and once for the person who makes it possible for them to go. The Companion Card removes that extra cost, which makes it easier to:
Get out with a support worker more often
Try new social and recreational activities
Build confidence through regular community participation
Stay independent while being supported
How we can help
At Loving Life, our community access support on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is a great way to put your Companion Card to use. NDIS funding can pay for the support worker's time, and a Companion Card means the worker can often get in free where it's accepted, so outings go further. Our 1:1 support is matched to each person's interests and goals.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Information current as at 8 November 2026. Check the Queensland Government Companion Card pages for the latest details.
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