The free bus pass age is officially changing for people who are in their mid-sixties

Millions of older people will have to wait longer to get a free bus pass under a major rule change that has now come into force across England.

The change means many people will no longer qualify at 66, with the age of eligibility now rising in line with the State Pension age.

As the State Pension age gradually rises from 66 to 67, the age at which people in England can claim a free bus pass is rising too.

Under the previous rules, people became eligible when they turned 66.

However, anyone reaching their 66th birthday after April 2026 will now have to wait longer because free bus pass eligibility is linked to the State Pension age.

The change comes despite ongoing calls for the qualifying age to be lowered to 60, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK.

The new rules specifically affect individuals born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977, who will now need to reach 67 before claiming both their state pension and free bus pass.

The Government has implemented a staged timetable for this transition.

For those reaching their 66th birthday this month, the wait extends to 66 years and four months before they can apply for their concessionary travel permit.

Anyone who turned 66 prior to April 2026 remains unaffected and can still claim their pass under the previous threshold. The phased approach means eligibility requirements will continue shifting over the coming months.

A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged the significance of these benefits, stating: "We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel.

The spokesperson added: "We're already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for all passengers and supporting local areas to improve reliability and affordability."

The pension age transition from 66 to 67 will be completed by March 2028. Looking further ahead, a subsequent rise to 68 is anticipated from 2044.

Officials have previously emphasised their commitment to ensuring the state pension remains a sustainable and equitable income foundation for future generations.