Turning 66? You may have to wait for your free bus pass

Thousands of people approaching retirement age face a longer wait for a free bus pass after a major rule change linked to the rising State Pension age.

The change affects people in England, where eligibility for an older person's bus pass is tied directly to State Pension age.

As the Government rolls out the next stage of raising the State Pension age from 66 to 67, some people turning 66 this year will no longer automatically qualify for a free bus pass on their birthday. Instead, they could have to wait several extra months before becoming eligible.

For those who had expected to receive the free travel benefit as soon as they turned 66, the change could come as an unwelcome surprise.

Who is affected this month?

The latest phase of the increase affects people born between:

• 6 September 1960 and 5 October 1960

Anyone in this group will need to wait until they reach 66 years and six months old before they can claim their State Pension and qualify for a free bus pass in England.

For example:

• Someone born on 31 July 1960 is considered to reach the age of 66 years and 4 months on 30 November 2026.
• Someone born on 31 December 1960 is considered to reach the age of 66 years and 9 months on 30 September 2027.
• Someone born on 31 January 1961 is considered to reach the age of 66 years and 10 months on 30 November 2027.

What the Government says

GOV.UK states: "There are 2 broad categories of people eligible for a statutory concession – older people and eligible disabled people. 

"Both men and women are eligible for concessionary travel in England when they reach state pension age."

There is an online tool allowing people to check exactly when they become eligible.

Why the rules are changing

The increase stems from legislation that raises the State Pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

The Department for Work and Pensions explains: "The Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years."

The department added: "The State Pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028."

Full list of free bus pass eligibility ages

People born within the following dates will become eligible for a State Pension and free bus pass at these ages:

• 6 April 1960 – 5 May 1960: 66 years and 1 month
• 6 May 1960 – 5 June 1960: 66 years and 2 months
• 6 June 1960 – 5 July 1960: 66 years and 3 months
• 6 July 1960 – 5 August 1960: 66 years and 4 months
• 6 August 1960 – 5 September 1960: 66 years and 5 months
• 6 September 1960 – 5 October 1960: 66 years and 6 months
• 6 October 1960 – 5 November 1960: 66 years and 7 months
• 6 November 1960 – 5 December 1960: 66 years and 8 months
• 6 December 1960 – 5 January 1961: 66 years and 9 months
• 6 January 1961 – 5 February 1961: 66 years and 10 months
• 6 February 1961 – 5 March 1961: 66 years and 11 months
• 6 March 1961 – 5 April 1977: 67 years

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The exceptions to the rule

The changes do not apply everywhere, even in England.

People living in London and Merseyside can still access free travel through local concessionary schemes from age 60, depending on eligibility rules, meaning they are not affected in the same way as residents elsewhere in England.

For others, the age at which a free bus pass becomes available is now gradually increasing alongside the State Pension age, meaning thousands will have to wait longer before they can start travelling for free.