The age when people can claim a free bus pass is soon to go up in England but some Britons may be able to get one sooner.
A person can apply for an older person’s bus pass when they reach state pension age, which is currently 66 for both men and women.
The state pension age is set to gradually increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and then to 68 between 2044 and 2046, meaning people will have to wait longer until they can claim the free travel.
However, a person may be able to apply for a free bus pass before they reach state pension age.
A person can find out if they can get their bus pass sooner using a simple tool on the Government website.
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A person inputs their postcode and the tool will then direct them to information about how to claim a bus pass in their local area.
People who live in London can get a pass to travel free on buses, the Tube and other transport once they reach 60, but only for travel within the Capital.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a person can get a free bus pass when they reach 60.
Disabled people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can also get a free bus pass, while disabled people in London can get a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass.
The state pension recently increased 10.1 percent, with the full basic state pension now paying £156.20 a week while the new state pension is £203.85 a week.
A person typically needs 30 years of National Insurance contributions to get the full basic state pension and 35 years of contributions to receive the full new state pension.
Britons may also want to check if they can claim Pension Credit, a benefit which tops up the income of people of state pension age on low incomes.
The benefit increased 10.1 percent this month, providing a top up to £201.05 a week for single claimants, and up to £306.85 a week for couples.
Pension Credit also provides access to several other means of support, including free TV licences for claimants aged 75 and over.
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