Information for Cardholders

‍Where can I use my National Assistance Card?

You can use your Card in any situation where you may need understanding or assistance.  

Examples of where you may choose to use your Card include:

• Shops, cafes, hotels and cinemas

• Banks, Centrelink and other Government departments

• Transport, such as airports, buses, trains, trams, taxis and Ubers

• With family, friends and work colleagues

• With emergency services, such as police, ambulance or fire.

You can choose when you want to use your Card.

We encourage you to use your Card as often as you want to. If someone you show the Card to does not know about the National Assistance Card, you can explain that the Card is here to help people with disability to communicate their needs. By doing this, you’ll be able to make sure you get the assistance you need. You’re also helping to raise awareness of disability and the National Assistance Card and build a more inclusive world!

Why should I use my National Assistance Card?

Your Card can be helpful in public places when you need understanding or support.

Examples of how you may choose to use your Card include:  

• To ask for understanding or help

• To request more time to complete an activity

• To avoid explaining your disability needs out loud

• When you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsafe.

Important

The National Assistance Card explains a cardholder's unique areas of difficulty. It does not make a cardholder exempt from the law.  

The National Assistance Card is a community service. It is not an official identity card or legal document.  

How to show people your National Assistance Card

You can practice introducing the National Assistance Card by saying, “This Card explains my needs and how you can assist me.”

You can choose to ask people you show the Card to:  

• Read the Card

• Scan the QR code or  

• Call your nominated contact person

You may choose to show:

• The front of your Card only
  This means you would appreciate understanding and patience while you communicate the assistance you need.

• Both the front and back of your Card
  The back of the Card includes some of the areas where you have difficulty, and a QR code which, when scanned with a mobile phone, may link to additional information you have chosen to share.  

Testimonials

"If I get stuck I can hold up my Card and it says on the back 'here are the things I have trouble with' and 'here's how you can help'."
- Bridget, Cardholder

Visit our Testimonial page here to hear from other cardholders what the Card means for them and how they have used their Card.

I need to update the information on my Card. What should I do?

The National Assistance Card provides key information about your needs. Keeping your Card up to date helps to make it a useful tool when you need it most.  

If your needs change or you need to update your details, you can fill out this form here or reach out to the National Assistance Card team for assistance. You can send us an email at info@nationalassistancecard.com.au or call 1300 680 045.

Remember: You can change or add information linked to the QR code on your Card without replacing your Card!

I have lost my National Assistance Card. What should I do?

You can request a replacement card by filling out this form here.

You can also contact the National Assistance Card Service at info@nationalassistancecard.com.au or on 1300 680 045.

A replacement Card will cost $22.