England bus pass eligibility delayed by rising State Pension age

In England, eligibility for a free older person's bus pass is being delayed due to legislative changes raising the State Pension age from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Because bus pass eligibility is tied directly to the State Pension age, many individuals will no longer qualify for the travel benefit immediately upon turning 66.

The current phase of the increase affects individuals born between 6 September 1960 and 5 October 1960. Those in this group may need to wait until they reach 66 years and six months of age before they can claim their State Pension and access concessionary travel. The timing of eligibility varies depending on specific birth dates, with some individuals potentially waiting until late 2027 to qualify.