The State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 is now affecting free bus pass eligibility in England, with the latest phase taking effect this August. The transition, which began on April 6, 2026, is being rolled out over two years until 2028, impacting anyone born after April 6, 1960.
This means that individuals whose 66th birthday falls during the transitional period will not only wait longer for their State Pension but also for their free bus pass. In England, entitlement to a free bus pass is linked to State Pension age, so a person now needs to be 66 years and a specific number of months old to qualify.
London exceptions and DfT confirmation
In London, residents can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard, allowing free travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services. This requires living in a London borough, a £36 administration fee, and an £18.50 annual address verification fee. Upon reaching State Pension age, they can switch to the Older Person's Freedom Pass.
The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed to The Express that eligibility is changing in line with the State Pension age rise, with the next stage now affecting those born between August 6 and September 5, 1960. Based on the DWP schedule, these individuals face an additional five-month delay before claiming their State Pension and bus pass.
Example and further delays
For instance, someone born on August 6, 1960, will become eligible for both on January 6, 2026, at exactly 66 years and five months old. A DfT spokesperson told The Express: "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."
They added: "People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will qualify at 66 plus a specified number of months, depending on their date of birth. 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."
Impact on different birth dates
The delay increases by one month for each later birthday. Those reaching 66 from September 6 face an extra six-month wait, from October 6 an extra seven months, and so on until the age increase to 67 is complete. Some will qualify closer to 66, while others may be nearly 67. Anyone born after March 5, 1961, will qualify at age 67.
The DWP stated: "The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years. The State Pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028." They added that people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and a specified number of months, rather than on a specific date.
