The Department for Transport has confirmed that eligibility for a free bus pass will change in line with the increase in State Pension age, affecting millions born after 1977. The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined a timetable for the rise to age 68, scheduled between 2044 and 2046.
Current rules and planned changes
Currently, people can get a free bus pass at age 66, rising to 67. The DWP confirmed that a further increase to 68 is planned, impacting anyone born after April 5, 1977. The State Pension age will rise from 67 to 68 over a two-year period from 2044 to 2046.
The DWP stated: “Under the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for men and women will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.” The Pensions Act 2014 provides for a regular review of the State Pension age at least once every five years, based on the principle that people should spend a certain proportion of their adult life drawing a State Pension.
Timetable for the age change
The DWP has published a detailed schedule for those born between 1977 and 1978. For example, those born between April 6, 1977 and May 5, 1977 will reach State Pension age on May 6, 2044. Those born between May 6, 1977 and June 5, 1977 will reach it on July 6, 2044. The dates continue incrementally, with those born between March 6, 1978 and April 5, 1978 reaching State Pension age on March 6, 2046. Anyone born on or after April 6, 1978 will reach State Pension age on their 68th birthday.
Potential for further changes
The DWP noted that the timetable could change as a result of future reviews. In the Autumn Statement on December 5, 2013, the Chancellor indicated that future generations should spend up to a third of their adult life in retirement, implying State Pension age should rise to 68 by the mid-2030s and 69 by the late 2040s. However, the government is not currently legislating for this change, describing these dates as indicative only.
The DWP added: “The government is not planning to revise the existing timetables for the equalisation of State Pension age to 65 or the rise in the State Pension age to 66 or 67. However the timetable for the increase in the State Pension age from 67 to 68 could change as a result of the review.” Any proposals to bring forward changes would have to go through Parliament before becoming law.
