The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that a further group of passengers will be affected by an increase in the free bus pass age in England from November 6. The change continues a rise in the eligibility age, which is being increased in line with the State Pension age under the Labour government.
Eligibility linked to State Pension age
The DfT stated that 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.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) State Pension age is being incrementally raised from 66 to 67, and the DfT free bus pass age is following suit. The DWP said: "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."
Who is affected by the November change
The next group of passengers affected are those with birthdays falling between 6 November 1960 and 5 December 1960. These individuals will have to wait until they reach 66 years and 8 months before receiving their free bus passes.
A further group shortly to be affected are those with birthdays falling between 6 December 1960 and 5 January 1961. This cohort will be required to wait until they are 66 years and 9 months old. For those with birthdays between 6 January 1961 and 5 February 1961, they will need to wait until they reach 66 years and 10 months. Those born between 6 February 1961 and 5 March 1961 will wait until 66 years and 11 months.
Final group and how to check eligibility
The last group affected comprises those with birthdays ranging from 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977. This cohort will receive their free bus pass at 67 years of age.
The DfT confirmed: "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."
For people born after 5 April 1969 but before 6 April 1977, under the Pensions Act 2007, State Pension age was already 67.
