Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

To apply for a Companion Card, complete the cardholder application form (PDF, 316 KB) cardholder application form (RTF, 184 KB) and attach two colour passport-sized photographs of yourself.

A service provider or health professional must also sign the application form and verify the photographs.

The cardholder handbook (PDF, 460 KB) cardholder handbook (RTF, 110 KB) provides information about the program and application process.

Who can apply

To be eligible for a Companion Card you must demonstrate that you:

  1. are a lawful Australian resident living in Queensland; and
  2. have a disability; and
  3. because of the impact of the disability, you are unable to participate at most community venues or activities without attendant care support and
  4. need, or have a likely need, for lifelong attendant care support.

If your need for attendant care support is not permanent (that is, lifelong or likely to be lifelong), you are not eligible for a Companion Card.

Examples of situations where a person may not be eligible for a card include:

  • experiencing temporary disability
  • the need for attendant care support is not lifelong
  • being affected by the inaccessibility of a particular venue.

There are no income or asset tests, nor any fees associated with the application process.

How to apply

Full details of eligibility for a card are included in the cardholder handbook (PDF, 460 KB) cardholder handbook (RTF, 110 KB).

Download and complete a cardholder application form (PDF, 316 KB) cardholder application form (RTF, 184 KB). Please read the handbook (PDF, 460 KB) handbook (RTF, 110 KB) before deciding to apply for a card.

Alternatively, Smart Service Queensland can mail you a cardholder application form and handbook. Contact them by telephoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or by emailing cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au.

Unsuccessful applications

Applicants who have not been successful may request a review of the decision.

A request for a review must be made in writing and may include any new information that clearly demonstrates you meet the Companion Card criteria.

Where additional information is provided, the information must be signed and verified by a service provider or health professional. The professional's contact details must also be provided.