State pension age changes may affect when you get free bus pass – this is how to check

The state pension age has undergone a number of changes in recent years, and there’s more to come. In the past, it stood at 60 for women and 65 for men.

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However, changes were made to increase the state pension age for women to be in line with men under the Pensions Act 1995, and these were then accelerated under the Pensions Act 2011.

It means that in November 2018, following a number of changes affecting women born in the 1950s, the state pension age for women reached 65.

This was ahead of further increases to the state pension age for both men and women – something also set out under the Pensions Act 2011.

Now, people born with certain dates of birth will reach their state pension age slightly later than they may have previously thought.

It means that the state pension age will reach 66 in October 2020.

The next of the gradual changes which will come into effect is set to see those born between August 6, 1954 and September 5, 1954 reach state pension age on July 6, 2020.

There’s further changes ahead, following this.

Under the Pensions Act 2014, the state pension age for men and women will now increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

Then, under the Pensions Act 2007, the state pension age for men and women will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, with the timetable published by the government having been based on current law, but subject to a future review.

While using public transport may be something the population is striving to avoid wherever possible at the moment in time, ususally, it is much-relied upon for the many who need it in order to get around.

Those who live in England can get an “older person’s bus pass” for free travel when they reach the female state pension, the government website states.

This is whether they’re a man or a woman.

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As such, the state pension age changes for women, and the more recent state pension age changes could have an impact on those living in England.

That said, there are some areas in which residents will be able to travel for free on forms of public transport.

Meanwhile, in Wales, a person can get a bus pass when they reach the age of 60.

People in England or Wales can use the “Apply for an older person’s bus pass” tool on the Gov.uk website.

They simply need to input their postcode and press “find”.

This service allows them to apply for a bus pass from their local council, as well as check to see if they can get a pass sooner.

The same guidance explains that if an individual lives in Scotland or Northern Ireland, they get an older person’s bus pass when you’re 60.

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