State pension age change takes effect this week - how it may affect your free bus pass
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For many, reaching state pension age means they will be able to claim the payment and hence enjoy a boost to their income. Not only that, but for some Britons, it also means they can enjoy
free travel via the older person's bus pass.
In England, it's only possible to get the older person's bus pass for free travel when they reach the female state pension age.
In the past, the state pension age was 60 for women and 65 for men.
However, changes to the state pension age meant state pension age parity of 65 was reached in November 2018.
READ MORE: WASPI women express concern over handling of State Pension age debate
Since then, the state pension age has been rising further.
September 6, 2020 marks an important date in the changes, and this is because anyone with the date of birth between September 6, 1954 and October 5, 1954 will reach state pension age.
As such, people in England born during the aforementioned period would also reach bus pass qualifying age.
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In parts of England, it is possible to travel for free on types of public transport ahead of this age.
In London, for instance, residents can travel for free on buses, tubes, and other forms of transport when they're 60.
However, this scheme only applies for journeys made within London.
Those in Wales, meanwhile, can get a bus pass when they celebrate their 60th birthday.
The same applies for those who live in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
People in England can use a tool on the GOV.UK website to see whether they can get an older person's bus pass sooner.
The service is also what can be used to apply for a bus pass from the user's local council.
To access it, the individual needs to visit the "Apply for an older person's bus pass" page on the government website.
They are then directed to input their postcode, and press "find".
Following this, users can click through to the council website, enabling them to find out further details relevant to where they live.
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