The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed changes to the age at which people can claim a free bus pass in England, directly linked to the rising State Pension age. For those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, eligibility will now be staggered, with the qualifying age increasing in monthly steps from 66 years and one month up to 66 years and 11 months. From April 6, 2026, anyone born on or after March 6, 1961 will need to wait until they turn 67 before they can claim both their State Pension and free bus pass.
Staggered Eligibility for Those Born 1960-1961
Under the new timetable, individuals born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will reach State Pension age between May 6, 2026 and March 5, 2028. The exact date depends on their date of birth, with the pension age gradually increasing during this period. For example, someone born on April 18, 1960 will qualify for their Older Person's Bus Pass on May 18, 2026, while someone born on July 31, 1960 will qualify on November 30, 2026.
The DfT and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have published a full breakdown of qualifying dates. For instance, those born between April 6 and May 5, 1960 will reach State Pension age at 66 years and one month, while those born between February 6 and March 5, 1961 will reach it at 66 years and 11 months. From March 6, 1961 onwards, the State Pension age is set at 67.
What This Means for Future Retirees
This change means that anyone born on or after March 6, 1961 will need to wait until their 67th birthday before they can apply for a free bus pass. This aligns with the ongoing rise in the State Pension age, which is gradually increasing to 67 for everyone in this group. The DfT has confirmed that there is no change for anyone who already holds a free bus pass, and their existing passes remain valid.
One local authority in the south of England confirmed the new rules, stating: "At the moment, residents can apply for their free bus pass when they reach the age of 66. But this will rise to 67 from 6 April 2028 in line with changes to the State Pension age. Between now and 6 April 2028, eligibility will increase in small, monthly steps."
How to Find Your Exact Qualifying Date
For those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961, the exact date you can apply for your Older Person's Bus Pass is set out on the DWP website. The DfT advises checking with your local council as well, since some areas may have different arrangements. For example, Transport for London offers a 60+ Oyster card for Greater London residents, which is separate from the national scheme.
To help clarify, the DfT has provided a table showing the State Pension age for each birth month. The table lists the date of birth ranges and the corresponding age at which State Pension age is reached, from 66 years and one month for those born in April-May 1960, up to 66 years and 11 months for those born in February-March 1961.
Impact on Planning for Retirement
This staggered approach means that people approaching retirement need to plan carefully. The change affects not only bus pass eligibility but also the timing of State Pension payments. According to the DWP, the State Pension age is set to rise to 67 for everyone born on or after March 6, 1961, and further increases are planned in the future.
For those born between April 1960 and March 1961, the waiting period beyond age 66 varies from one to eleven months. This means some people will be able to claim their bus pass just a month after their 66th birthday, while others will have to wait nearly a year longer. The DfT has urged residents to check their specific date of birth against the published schedule to avoid any confusion.
