From April 2026, the State Pension age in the UK will gradually rise from 66 to 67 over a two-year period, affecting those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961. This change, legislated under the Pensions Act 2014, means that individuals with a 66th birthday within this transitionary period will face a delay in claiming their State Pension and, for those in England, their free bus pass.
Eligibility for a free bus pass in England is linked to State Pension age, except in London where free travel is available from age 60. The Department for Transport confirmed that the free bus pass age will change in line with the State Pension increase, affecting anyone born on or after April 6, 1960. Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will qualify at age 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on their date of birth.
For example, someone born on June 6, 1960 will become eligible for both the State Pension and the free bus pass on September 6, 2026, at age 66 years and three months. Anyone with a birthday after March 5, 1961 will be eligible for a free bus pass from age 67. The Department for Work and Pensions has published a timetable showing the exact delay for each birth date within the transition period.
A DfT spokesperson advised people to use the online tool at Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK to find out their exact eligibility date. The changes are being implemented in one-month increments, meaning some will wait only a few months past their 66th birthday, while others will be nearly 67 before they qualify.
