{"id":127303,"date":"2026-10-20T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=127303"},"modified":"2026-10-20T11:42:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T10:42:59","slug":"when-you-get-a-free-bus-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/when-you-get-a-free-bus-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Date Of Birth Could Decide When You Get A Free Bus Pass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

People in England may have to wait longer for a free bus pass<\/strong> as the State Pension age rises from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. The change affects people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961<\/strong>, with the qualifying age varying according to their date of birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Bus Pass Eligibility Is Linked To State Pension Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme<\/strong>, eligibility for an older person’s bus pass <\/a>is linked to State Pension age. As the State Pension age rises, some people reaching retirement age will therefore have to wait longer before they qualify for free bus travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The phased change began in April 2026<\/strong> and will continue until March 2028<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Date Of Birth Determines When You Qualify<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People born during the transition period will reach State Pension age at different points between 66 and 67.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The timetable includes: People born between 6 April and 5 May 1960<\/strong> reach State Pension age at 66 years and one month<\/strong>. Those born between 6 September and 5 October 1960<\/strong> reach it at 66 years and six months<\/strong>. People born between 6 February and 5 March 1961<\/strong> reach it at 66 years and 11 months<\/strong>. Anyone born on or after 6 March 1961<\/strong> has a State Pension age of 67<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first people affected by the new qualifying ages began reaching them in May 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credit: Econostrum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Government Calculator Can Show Your Individual Date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People approaching State Pension age can use the government’s online State Pension age calculator<\/strong> on GOV.UK<\/a>. The calculator shows the date a person reaches State Pension age and provides information about eligibility for free bus travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once eligible, residents can apply for an older person’s bus pass through their local council<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

London Has A Separate Travel Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People living in London are subject to different arrangements. Residents aged 60 and over<\/strong> may be able to travel free on eligible public transport within London using a 60+ London Oyster photocard<\/strong>, subject to the scheme’s conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means the State Pension age timetable does not apply in exactly the same way to free travel in the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State Pension Must Be Claimed Separately<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reaching State Pension age does not automatically trigger payment of the State Pension. The Pension Service<\/strong> generally sends an invitation to claim around four months before a person reaches State Pension age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People approaching retirement should check their individual date in advance and find out what action is needed to claim their pension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Travel Rules Are Changing Alongside Pension Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rise in State Pension age means some people will reach the age at which they might previously have expected free bus travel while still waiting for their concessionary travel eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For people born during the transition period, the exact qualifying date depends on their date of birth<\/strong>. Anyone approaching the relevant age can check the latest government guidance and use the official calculator before making plans around retirement or free travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Everyone of pensionable age is entitled to an older person's bus pass giving free off-peak travel on local bus services anywhere in England.

If you already have older person's bus pass from us it will automatically be renewed – if your pass is due to expire, you will receive a\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ou8m3JuJdF<\/a><\/p>— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) October 19, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>