State pension changes could affect your eligibility for free bus pass

People who are of the state pension age, which is currently 66, are entitled to a free bus pass. This helps reduce the travel expenses of the country’s ageing population significantly which helps during the cost of living crisis. Despite this, upcoming changes to the state pension age could affect who is eligible for the freebie benefit.The state pension age is expected to rise to 67 years old by 2028, according to the Government.Retirement age figures are based on life expectancy figures with the state pension threshold rising as more people live longer.Prior to this hike, Britons are being warned ahead of time that access to their payments will be pushed back a year.State pensioners are able to access other freebie benefits, such as the free bus pass, once they become of age.READ MORE: Britons urged to consider ‘simple’ boiler hack that could cut energy bills by £112 a year State pension age changes could affect your eligibility for free bus pass (Image: GETTY)It should be noted that residents in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London can access a free bus pass after turning 60.The handing out and eligibility criteria for the concession are also dependent on someone’s local authority, with different jurisdictions having different rules.On its website, Entitledto shares who is able to benefit from the free bus pass and who is in charge of administering it.The organisation stated: ‘Everyone over state pension age and eligible disabled people are entitled to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England.DON’T MISSPIP claim: The top 5 medical conditions giving £627 a month from DWP – check eligibility [INSIGHT]’I now get money every month!’ Woman, 65, shares way she found extra money for retirement [INSIGHT]NS&I is increasing interest rates on savings accounts up to 3.7% – millions set to benefit [UPDATE]’Local authorities can offer further benefits to their residents and in some areas you can get a pass for free travel if you are over the age of 60 so it is best to check local information.Off-peak travel is when you travel any time between 9.30am and 11pm (midnight in some areas) Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.’Some local authorities also allow travel in the morning rush hour and in some areas passes can also be used on trams, trains or taxis.’Tom Selby, the head of retirement policy at AJ Bell, has previously warned the state pension age will disproportionately affect those on lower incomes.READ MORE: Attendance Allowance: 6 myths that stop millions of pensioners claiming up to £370 a month  Who is entitled to this benefit? (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK) Who is eligible for the state pension? (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)For example, young people in Scotland are entitled to free bus travel if they have a new National Entitlement Card (NEC).On top of this, the disabled person’s bus pass scheme is accessible to those with qualifying conditions.According to Citizens Advice, those with a disability will be able to get this support if they meet one of the following criteria:The applicant is blind or partially sighted, deaf or unable to speakThe applicant cannot walk very far because of a disability, illness or injuryThe applicant has a severe learning disabilityThe applicant has been refused a driving licence for health reasons.