ACT Companion Card
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_ACT_COMPANION_CARD (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2025). It explains the ACT Companion Card — a free second ticket for the carer of an ACT resident with a significant, permanent disability who has a lifelong need for attendant care.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify if you live in the ACT, have a significant and permanent disability and need attendant care to take part in community life. In the rule it is reached when state = ACT, permanent_disability = true and lifelong_need_for_attendant_care = true.
It produces no cash. The card waives the cost of a second ticket for your carer — there is no payment, no income test and no asset test. It is free to apply for and free to hold.
Outcome summary: a free companion ticket at participating venues, events and on ACT public transport, so the price of bringing the support you need does not double the cost of going out.
What Is This Payment?
The ACT Companion Card recognises that some people with a significant, permanent disability cannot attend a venue, event or service without a carer, and that charging for two tickets effectively doubles the cost of participating in the community.
The rule database tags it as a Group B benefit with eligibility_enabler as its result role. It is not income support — it is an affiliate scheme in which participating businesses and ACT public transport agree to issue a second ticket free to the cardholder's companion.
Because the value is unlocked only once you hold the card and present it, the product surfaces it to eligible Canberrans so they apply rather than miss out.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none. The card produces no cash payment; its value is the waived companion ticket.
- A free companion ticket for your carer at participating venues, events and activities across the ACT.
- A free public transport companion fare so your carer travels with you at no extra cost on ACT public transport.
- No income or asset test — eligibility turns on disability and care need, and the card is free.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.
- ACT resident:
state = ACT. You must live in the Australian Capital Territory. - Significant, permanent disability:
permanent_disability = true. The disability must be lifelong, not temporary. - Lifelong need for attendant care:
lifelong_need_for_attendant_care = true. You must need a companion to participate, not just occasional help.
The assessment focuses on a lifelong need for attendant care to take part in the community, supported by medical evidence of your disability. There is no means test — your income and assets are not considered.
Once issued, the card is the practical key to the scheme: it only delivers value when you present it at a participating venue or when buying a public transport fare for your carer.
How To Apply
The channel is online through the ACT Government, and you will need medical evidence of your disability.
- Channel: apply online via the ACT Companion Card program.
- Evidence required: medical evidence of your disability and lifelong care need.
- Once issued, present the card when booking or buying tickets to claim your companion's free ticket or fare.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: a concert at a participating venue
Aisha has a significant, permanent disability and books two tickets to a Canberra concert. Because the venue is a Companion Card affiliate, the second ticket for her support worker is issued free, halving the cost of attending.
Scenario 2: travelling by bus with a carer
Liam uses the light rail and bus network across Canberra with his carer. With the Companion Card, his carer's fare is free, so getting to appointments and outings does not cost twice as much.
Scenario 3: a sporting event
Noah attends a football match with his attendant carer. He pays for one ticket and the companion ticket is waived at the participating stadium.
Scenario 4: forgetting to present the card
Priya books two tickets online but does not flag her Companion Card at the time of booking, so she is charged for both. The free companion ticket must be claimed when booking, so she contacts the venue to fix it before the event.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming it is a cash payment: the Companion Card waives the carer's ticket and fare; it does not pay any money to you.
- Not checking the venue is an affiliate: the free companion ticket only applies at participating venues and events — check before you book.
- Thinking there is an income or asset test: there is none — eligibility turns on a lifelong need for attendant care, not on your finances.
- Leaving the card at home: you must present the card when booking or buying tickets to claim the companion ticket or fare.
- Confusing it with a carer payment: the Companion Card is about venue and transport access, not income support for carers — see the federal Carer Allowance for that.
- Assuming a temporary disability qualifies: the rule requires a permanent disability and a lifelong need for attendant care, so short-term conditions are not covered.
Related Benefits
- ACT Disability Parking Permit — free parking and unlimited time for ACT permit holders.
- ACT Equipment Scheme (ACTES) — subsidised aids and equipment for non-NDIS residents.
- ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme — subsidised taxi fares for people with severe disability.
- ACT IPTAS — travel and accommodation help for interstate specialist treatment.
- Carer Allowance — a federal supplement for people who care for someone with a disability.
- Disability Support Pension — federal income support for long-term incapacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ACT Companion Card cost money to use?
No. It waives the cost of a second ticket and public transport fare for your carer at participating venues; it is not a cash payment and there is no fee to apply.
Is there an income or asset test?
No. Eligibility is based on living in the ACT, having a significant, permanent disability and a lifelong need for attendant care, not on your income or assets.
Does it cover public transport?
Yes. The card provides a free companion fare so your carer can travel with you on ACT public transport.
How do I use it?
Present your card when booking or buying tickets at a participating venue, or when buying a public transport fare, to have your companion's ticket or fare issued free.
Who can apply?
ACT residents with a significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for attendant care to participate in community activities.
What evidence do I need?
You apply online and provide medical evidence of your disability and your lifelong need for attendant care.
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