Published On: Sat, Jan 30th, 2021

Free bus pass: DWP state pension age changes may affect entitlement – check now | Personal Finance | Finance

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A free bus pass can be valuable for older and retired people to ensure individuals can travel without the worry of costs. It is important to note, however, the rules on the free bus pass will vary across the country, with the age of entitlement differing depending on where a person lives. For some, though, it is vital to bear the State Pension age in mind when thinking about a free bus pass.

Previously, the state pension age was set at 60 for women and 65 for men, but the process has been slowly changed.

State pension age parity has been reached, meaning women and men should retire at the same age, but the age is also being uprated gradually.

At present, the state pension age for both men and women has reached 66, with a particularly important change occurring in October 2020.

But this is not the end of state pension age changes, and the age is set to rise again in upcoming years.

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This only differs in the capital, London, where people can travel for free when reaching the age of 60, on buses, tubes and trams.

But this will only be the case within London, making transport somewhat limited for these individuals.

Changes to the state pension age in future will affect certain older people, but thankfully there is some time to come to terms with alterations. 

Under the current government timetable, the state pension age for both men and women will increase to 67 in increments between 2026 and 2028.

While telling Britons when they will be eligible for free bus travel, it will also provide information on the Pension Credit qualifying age. 

For specific information on the free bus pass, Britons can also reach out to their local authority.

Alternatively, for those who wish to undertake a deep dive on their state pension entitlement, the state pension forecast is available.

This service can help individuals find out how much state pension they could get, when they could get it, and how to increase this if possible.

While applying online is the quickest way to ascertain this information, Britons can also fill in the BR19 application form and send it by post.

Finally, people are also able to call the Future Pensions Centre who will post the forecast to the individual. 

Do you have a money dilemma which you’d like a financial expert’s opinion on? If you would like to ask one of our finance experts a question, please email your query to personal.finance@reachplc.com

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