The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the free bus pass age is changing in line with the state pension age increase. Under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, eligibility for an older person's bus pass is linked to the State Pension age, which is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Who is affected by the free bus pass age change?
People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will qualify at 66 years plus a specified number of months, depending on their exact date of birth. For example, those born from 6 April to 5 May 1960 will qualify at 66 years and 1 month, while those born from 6 February to 5 March 1961 will qualify at 66 years and 11 months. Individuals born after 5 April 1969 but before 6 April 1977 already have a State Pension age of 67 under the Pensions Act 2007.
How to check your eligibility date
The DfT advises using the online tool at Check your State Pension age on GOV.UK by entering your date of birth to find out when you become eligible for a free bus pass. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explained that the Pensions Act 2014 brought the increase in State Pension age from 66 to 67 forward by eight years, and the phasing now depends on birth month rather than a single date.
Impact on millions across England
This change affects millions of people in their mid-sixties who are nearing retirement age. The free bus pass allows older people to travel for free on local bus services across England, providing significant savings and mobility benefits. The DWP stated: "The Government also changed the way in which the increase in State Pension age is phased so that rather than reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will reach their State Pension age at 66 years and the specified number of months."
Detailed birth month breakdown
- 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
What this means for bus pass holders
The change means that those born in the affected window will need to wait a few extra months beyond their 66th birthday to claim their free bus pass. The DfT confirmed that the eligibility change is effective from April, aligning with the State Pension age increase. The free bus pass remains a valuable benefit for older residents, offering free travel on local bus services across England during off-peak times.
