Free bus pass for over 60s: How to check if you can get pass sooner | Personal Finance | Finance
However, people can check if they can get it sooner via a free Government postcode checker service.
If eligible, the bus pass entitles free travel on buses, tubes and other transport.
The state pension age is currently 66 years old.
Two further increases have been set out in Government legislation.
This includes a gradual rise to 67 for those born on or after April 1960 and a gradual rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046 for those born on or after April 1977.
Eligibility criteria is different for those who live in London.
Anyone who is 60 or over can receive a free bus pass and travel on buses and tubes within London at no cost.
In Wales, people can also get a free bus pass when they reach 60.
People who qualify for free travel in England can also get 30 percent off their rail tickets should they wish to travel by train.
They can travel for free on buses any time between 9:30am and 11pm Monday to Friday.
On Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, they are entitled to free travel throughout the day.
Certain local authorities do permit travel during the morning rush hour or on trams, however this varies with each council.
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A free bus pass can be used on most London buses but it cannot be used on National Express coaches, airport services or commuter coaches and tours.
A person can apply two weeks before their eligibility commences.
They should then receive their bus pass within 10 working days.
Someone else can apply on their behalf if they need help with the application.
A free bus pass is renewed automatically and a person will be sent a new one in the post before their current one runs out.
It is important to contact the council should a person not receive their free bus pass a month before it runs out.
If a person moves, they must also send in their pass to the local council and re-apply to the council located in their new address.
It costs £10 to replace damaged, lost or stolen free bus passes.
People can appeal to the council if their bus pass application is refused.
In addition, it is possible to apply for a free door-to-door bus service run by
Transport for London (TfL).
This service, known as Dial-a-Ride, is only offered to those with a long-term disability or if a person is over 85 years old.
