A Companion Card is a great way to keep costs down and allow you to get out and about in the community and attend the places and events you wish to with the support you want.
The Companion Card is for people with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care support.
Companion Cardholders show their card when booking or purchasing a ticket from a participating business, called an Affiliate. These businesses recognise the Companion Card and issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge!
There are currently more than 700 businesses in Western Australia that will issue a second free ticket for your companion.
While there are plenty of “special” events or outings listed, there’s also loads of everyday ways you can use the Companion Card. For example, there are gyms and fitness centres and local pools like Aqualife Centre in East Victoria Park, Ballajura Aquatic Centre, Bayswater Waves and Beatty Park. Even fun centres like Bounce Cannington and Latitude in Edgewater are listed.
If you fancy the movies, a lot of cinemas are listed across Hoyts, Reading, Ace, Event and Grand Cinemas, plus small independent and outdoor cinemas.
To get to your outing, Transperth and Transwa recognise the card.
To check your eligibility for a Companion Card you can so an online self-assessment here.
To apply, you need to fill in part one of the application form here, supply two identical passport-sized photos and then get your health professional or service provider (like us at MercyCare!) to complete section 2 to demonstrate your eligibility including:
- Being a permanent resident of Australia, living in Western Australia;
- That you have a significant and permanent disability, which may include issues related to ageing and psychiatric illness;
- That, due to the impact of the disability, you would be unable to participate at most community activities without attendant care support; and
- That your need for this level of attendant care will be life-long.
Check out www.wacompanioncard.org.au to check your eligibility, apply for a card and find businesses, events and venues that accept the Companion Card.
NDS are also running free online information sessions, including how to apply for and use Companion Cards, ACROD Permits and keys for Changing Places, throughout February. You can register here.
