Many older Brits will be affected by the change that is happening very soon.
The change will happen in a matter of days (Image: Getty)
The free bus pass eligibility age will increase in line with the State Pension age in September, impacting many Brits. It comes as the State Pension age increase is being phased in gradually until April 2028 for people born on or after April 16, 1960.
Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, eligibility for a free bus pass is linked to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) age. As the State Pension age increases from 66 to 67, the age required to claim a free national bus pass in England will also rise. However, there are exceptions. Londoners aged 60+ can apply for a 60+ Oyster Photocard, which grants free travel on buses, trams and TfL services, as well as qualifying disabled residents of any age who remain eligible for a local bus pass.
The Pensions Act 2014 accelerated the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67. The Government has adjusted the phasing of the increase, meaning those born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will be eligible to claim the State Pension and concessionary bus passes once they turn 67.
The State Pension age remains 66 for those born before April 6, 1960, while those born between this date and March 5, 1961, will have a State Pension age of 66 plus a specific number of months. Those born in late December 1960 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and nine months.
This September, people born between August 6, 1960, and September 5, 1960, face a delay in bus pass entitlement, as they must wait until they reach 66 years and a specific number of months before they become eligible.
A spokesperson for the DfT confirmed: “We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel.
Londoners can still apply for a 60 oyster card which grants free TfL travel (Image: Getty)
“We’re already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for all passengers and supporting local areas to improve reliability and affordability.”
They added: “Eligibility for an older person’s bus pass under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is linked to State Pension age. This means eligibility will change in line with the increase in State Pension age from April.
“People born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will qualify at 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on their date of birth.”
They continued: “There is a tool to check the date people become eligible for a bus pass at Check your State Pension age – GOV.UK, by entering their date of birth.”
The DWP has confirmed the following timetable for the state pension age increase:
- September 6, 1960 – October 5, 1960: 66 years and 6 months
- October 6, 1960 – November 5, 1960: 66 years and 7 months
- November 6, 1960 – December 5, 1960: 66 years and 8 months
- December 6, 1960 – January 5, 1961: 66 years and 9 months
- January 6, 1961 – February 5, 1961: 66 years and 10 months
- February 6, 1961 – March 5, 1961: 66 years and 11 months
- March 6, 1961 – April 5, 1977: 67 years
Meanwhile, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the rules are separate from the State Pension age. Free local bus passes remain available to all residents aged 60 and above.