Being a carer is massive task. You have to be a special person to be able to devote yourself to this kind of role. Whether you're caring for your elderly, a child, or someone with profound disability, it's a role that only a person with a big heart and passionate towards others can do. Most of the time you are confined indoors and the cost of venturing outside is a rare event as it can be costly, therefore limiting yourself and the person that you are caring the chance to socialise with others.
[ADVERT]This card could perhaps entice you to get out and socialise, a chance to prolong longevity, and enjoy life without costing anything or a lot of money on transport, social activities and even events.
It's called Companion Card.
The Companion Card allows someone to accompany a person with a significant disability who requires constant care for the rest of their life. The card had been developed to enable the individual to participate in community events, entertainment, recreation, and leisure or event venues without suffering from discrimination. It has been administered by National Disability Services (NDS) for NSW Government.
How does it work?
When purchasing or booking an event or a ticket, the cardholder bearing his or her photograph must be presented. The second booking or ticket will not be charged by the participating venue.
Who is eligible?
The Companion Card is issued to NSW residents with a significant disability, permanently disabled for the rest of their life or with severe or profoundly disable. They are deemed to be incapable of assisting themselves, lack of self-care, need assistance with communication, and where they are inept in the use of aids and technologies. They are unable to participate in any community based activities without any significant assistance. Their level of support is lifelong.
The card is not means tested but is only provided if they meet the eligibility criteria. Individuals who require social, emotional, encouragement or assurance support will not qualify.
How to apply
Ring 1800 893 044 for an application form or log in to the
website for an online application form.
Application form snap shot
The number of pages to be completed might be daunting at first, but it will be worth it in the end.
For more information on using your Companion Card please refer to
this link.
Companion Card can be used in City Rail, including free access to the airport line services across NSW, the government run ferry services, Country Link and also the regular bus route service. Please take note that on privately run transport services, it is up to the operators to decide if it's a free service or they will be just be entitled to a concession (this includes the airports).
It can also be used at Australian National Maritime Museum Darling Harbour and Circus Oz statewide, at some cinemas, and hundreds of other places that display a Companion Card Accepted Here sign.
Companion Card is accepted on some Event Cinemas
This link lists the organisations that formally agreed to accept the Companion Card, last updated on 13 March 2013. It is also to be noted that acceptance of Companion Card does not mean that the venue is accessible. It is the sole responsibility of the card holder to check the accessibility before booking or purchasing the tickets.
Companion Card Affiliates snap shot
For more information, free call 1800 893 044 or email
[email protected]. If this information does not benefit you, please kindly pass it to someone that can take advantage of this service.